ADDIS ABABA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- An Exhibition showing the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA's) practices and achievements in safeguarding the world peace and advancing common developments was launched on Monday at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.
Organized by Chinese authorities, the five-day exhibition features mainly pictures that depict PLA's commitment to promoting global peace and advancing common developments.
The exhibition showcases to the world that China firmly upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the core role of the UN in international affairs, and actively builds a community of shared future for mankind among others.
In his opening speech, Chen Xufeng, Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Mission to African Union, reiterated that the Chinese PLA has always been a steadfast force in maintaining world peace, which portrays China's commitment to global peace, common development, and international order.
Emphasizing China's role in safeguarding international peace and security, Mao Naiguo, head of PLA's international communication delegation, said in past decades, China and Africa have worked for common development and embarked upon the distinctive partnership of win-win cooperation.
The Chinese military is also actively participating in international disaster relief and humanitarian aid," Mao added.
According to oganizers, over the years, the PLA has participated in 24 UN peacekeeping missions, 16 of which are in Africa.
Speaking on his part, Admore Kambudzi, acting director for AU Peace and Security, commended China for its multifarious support to Africa.
Commending China for its support to Africa in various areas, Kambudzi said the partnership between China and the AU continues to grow from height to height.
China is proven to be a valuable partner for Africa over the past two decades, Kambudzi said.
Some of the attendees told Xinhua during the opening of the exhibition that China has played a significant role in promoting peace and security on the African continent.
Mamane Souley, Dean of Millitary Attache Association in Addis Ababa, hailed China's contribution to Africa's peace and security as "very good friend" of the continent.
"I would like to congratulate China, we all know that China is a very big friend of Africa. As a military expert, we can witness what China is doing in matter of peace and security, helping our continent bring and maintain peace," he said.
Attending the event, Terje Thomesen, military attache at Norway embassy, told Xinhua that China is very important partner of Africa in peace and security.
Recalling that he had once worked with the Chinese officers at UNMISS (UN Mission in South Sudan), Thomesen said the Chinese officers are professional and good.
