The Group of African Ambassadors to China (GAAC) hosted a high-level diplomatic reception in Beijing on 25 May 2026 to commemorate Africa Day, marking both the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.

Held at the China World Hotel under the African Union’s 2026 theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” the reception highlighted the importance of sustainable development, food security, public health, environmental stewardship, and regional cooperation. The event also underscored the significance of 2026 as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

The reception brought together African Heads of Mission and diplomats, senior Chinese Government officials, visiting African ministers, representatives of international organizations, members of the African diaspora, business leaders, scholars, and friends of Africa in China. Among the distinguished guests were H.E. Mr. Miao Deyu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China; H.E. Mrs. Carmen Ivelize Van-Dúnem do Sacramento Neto dos Santos, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of the Republic of Angola; H.E. Dr. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Liberia; and H.E. Mrs. Francess Paige Alghali, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Group of African Ambassadors to China, H.E. Mr. Martin Mpana, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in China, described Africa Day as “a celebration of our African identity, our resilience, and our creativity,” and emphasized the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in strengthening Africa–China relations.

During the reception, H.E. Mr. Telesphore Irambona, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to China, introduced the official Africa Day message of H.E. Mr. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the African Union. In his message, the AU Chairperson reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to peace, integration, economic transformation, and multilateral cooperation, while calling for fairness, justice, and greater African representation in global governance.

On behalf of H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Ambassador Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, Permanent Representative of the African Union to China, delivered the African Union Commission’s official Africa Day message, reaffirming the African Union Commission’s commitment to solidarity, partnership, multilateralism, and the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

Representing the Chinese Government, Vice Minister Miao Deyu congratulated African countries on the successful commemoration of Africa Day in Beijing and reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Africa under the framework of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), particularly in development, education, healthcare, connectivity, poverty reduction, and cultural exchanges.

The reception was held in a warm atmosphere of friendship and cultural exchange, featuring African music, traditional dance performances, African cuisine, and cultural presentations reflecting the richness and diversity of the African continent. Together with the Africa Day Cultural Festival held in Beijing on Saturday, the celebrations highlighted the growing importance of people-to-people connectivity and cultural dialogue in advancing the Africa–China partnership.