Addis Ababa, 23 November 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, today, received the Special Representative on African Affairs of the Peoples’ Republic of China, Ambassador Zhong Jianhua. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the prevailing situation in Burundi and on the best ways and means of expediting the search for a lasting solution to the current crisis. 

The Chinese Special Representative briefed the Chairperson of the Commission on his recent visit to the region, including his consultations with the Burundian authorities and Government officials from neighboring countries. He reiterated China’s support to the African-led efforts to address the situation facing Burundi. The Chairperson of the Commission expressed the AU’s appreciation to China for its continued engagement and commitment to contribute towards an early resolution of the crisis. 

Both the Chairperson of the Commission and the Chinese Special Representative underlined the urgency and imperative need of an inclusive dialogue among the Burundian stakeholders in order to peacefully address the challenges facing their country and preserve the gains made through the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. They expressed their full support to the mediation efforts led by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, on behalf of the East African Community.

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