Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged to strengthen China's cooperation with the African Union (AU) in an all-round manner when he met the visiting AU Commission Chairman Jean Ping in Beijing on Wednesday.

Wen said the AU has played an important role in the current detente of Africa politics and security, with its integration process stepping into a new phase.

"China attaches great importance to the stance and concern of African countries in dealing with international affairs such as the financial crisis and climate change," Wen said.

China will carry out the follow-up action after the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which was held in Beijing in November 2006, Wen said.

Wen also said that China would take further measures to help African countries as before, actively expand mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and investment, and promote the international aid to African countries with the purpose of seeking common development.

The AU also paid great attention to China's constructive role in international affairs, Jean Ping said. He also thanked China for its contribution in the cause of peace and development in Africa.

"Africa eagerly wants to strengthen its cooperation with China in various fields, facing current challenges like developing economy and dealing with global issues," he said.

The AU would continue to give China its firm support in the issues related to China's core interests, he said.

Jean Ping is visiting China from Sept. 7-11, as guest of the Chinese government.

(Xinhua News Agency September 10, 2009)