General secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Xi Jinping, has met with head of the African Union Commission, Dlamini-Zuma. Xi Jinping pledged continued support for Africa's development.

Describing Africa as a continent of hope, Xi Jinping said the common development of China and Africa is of significance for the growth of developing countries as a whole, and helps to make international relations more democratic.

The CPC leader said that China will always attach importance to relations with Africa and remain a reliable friend and faithful partner of African nations.

Zuma said China is an important strategic partner in Africa's push for modernization and sustainable development. She said African countries hope to learn from China and expand cooperation in development planning, agriculture, manufacturing, science and technology, infrastructure and human resources as well as major regional and international issues.

Zuma arrived in Beijing on Thursday for the fifth China-AU strategic dialogue, which was held on Friday.