This photo taken on Feb 13, 2025 shows the buildings of the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia. [Photo/Xinhua]

　　NAIROBI -- President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent a message to the 38th African Union Summit, extending warm congratulations to African countries and people.

　　Experts from African countries noted that the message highlights China's unwavering commitment to China-Africa relations and its steadfast support for Africa's independence, self-reliance and development.

　　They said that China-Africa relations will continue to serve as a model of South-South cooperation, as the two sides work together on the path to modernization.

　　STRONGER GLOBAL SOUTH COOPERATION

　　In his congratulatory message, Xi noted that over the past year, the AU has united and led African countries in vigorously advancing integration, actively responding to regional and global challenges and speaking in unison as the “voice of Africa.“

　　Noting that these efforts have led to a continuous boost in Africa's international status and influence, he sincerely wished African countries and people even greater success on their path to independence, self-reliance and development.

　　Lerato D. Mataboge, the newly elected AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, could hardly contain her excitement during an interview.

　　“We're quite honored to receive the congratulatory message from President Xi. We all are quite proud of the China-Africa relationship over the years and the partnership in development,“ Mataboge said.

　　“President Xi's congratulatory message on the 'Global South' is truly inspiring,“ Ibrahim Gambari, a former Nigerian foreign minister, said after attending the opening ceremony of the AU summit.