China-Africa relations remain sound despite the recent turmoil in North Africa, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said at press conference Monday in Beijing. [More about FM press conference]

Responding to a question about the impact of north African unrests on the continent's ties with China, he said, "China has very sound relations of cooperation with African countries and the African Union."

"Despite some uncertain and destabilizing factors in some areas of Africa, the overall situation on the continent is peaceful and stable," Yang said on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

The construction of the AU Conference Center in the capital of Ethiopia, one of China's largest foreign aid projects, will be completed within the year, Yang said.

China is sincerely preparing for the Ministerial Meeting of the forum on China-Africa Cooperation scheduled for next year, Yang added.