H.E. Rahamtalla M. Osman, the African Union Representative to China
By Fatou Sillah
H.E. Rahamtalla M. Osman, The African Union Representative to China, delivered a statement at the 3rd Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations in Beijing on the theme “Inheritance, Sharing, Development: Towards a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.”
During his speech, the AU representative says that the Conference on Dialogue between Chinese and African Civilizations is a grand gathering where wisdom converges, understanding deepens, consensus solidifies, and cooperation advances.
“Dialogue facilitates effective understanding, mutual respect, and cooperation among different cultures and societies, thereby bringing more peace, tranquility, and progress to the world. Through dialogue and exchange, people can learn from each other, dispel stereotypes and misunderstandings, and work together to address common problems and challenges. As Africa and China join hands to stride towards a high-level community with a shared future, such dialogue is indispensable. In fact, both Africa and China have been continuously striving for this,” He Said.
The ambassador further states that Africa is committed to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage as an indispensable element of its development strategy. He describes the African Union’s vision of promoting pan-African values and ideologies through its transformative “Agenda 2063.”
“The African Union and its member states have shown significantly increased attention to the protection and inheritance of African cultural heritage, which has become an important manifestation of Africa’s independent development strategy in the cultural field. To encourage cultural diversity, foster creativity industries, and protect intangible cultural heritage, the African Union and its member states have enacted a series of policies, demonstrating Africa’s confidence, autonomy, and spirit of self-improvement in culture. He said.
Osman further advocates for the principles of inheritance, sharing, and development as the bedrock of a strengthened partnership between Africa and China. He called for mutual benefit and equitable collaboration in advancing shared goals and addressing global challenges.
He Expressed Optimism that the upcoming Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will deepen cultural bonds and catalyze meaningful collaboration between the two regions. He underscored the transformative impact of such exchanges on global development initiatives and the fostering of cultural diversity.