From June 30 to July 1, 2008, the 11th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly was held in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao sent a congratulatory message to the session. The full text of the message is as follows:

Beijing, 29 June 2008

Sharm el Sheikh

The 11th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly:

On the occasion of the 11th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and in my own name, warm congratulations to the session.

Since its establishment six years ago, the AU has played an important role in upholding regional peace and stability, promoting African economic and social development and facilitating the African integration process. It has also won positive comments from the international community. This year is one of special significance to the African Union which has made establishing the African Union Government its ultimate goal. We are delighted with AU's development and sincerely wish it new progress in leading African countries for self-improvement through unity, development and rejuvenation.

Currently, the China-Africa relations continue to enjoy fast and all-round growth with steady advancement of practical cooperation on various fronts. The implementation of the follow-up actions of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has achieved interim results and brought tangible benefits to both sides. Especially in the wake of the devastating earthquake that hit China's Sichuan province, the governments and people of African countries offered the invaluable support and assistance to the Chinese side, which demonstrated the sincere friendship of both sides in sharing hardships together. The Chinese government and people will bear in mind the friendly feelings of the African side forever and will always stand by African countries and people. China will join hands with Africa to cope with various challenges and seek peace and development.

The XXIX Olympic Games will be held in Beijing in August. We warmly welcome delegations from African countries to attend the world sports gala and wish African athletes every success in the games.

May the 11th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly be a great success!

Wen Jiabao

Premier of the State Council

People's Republic of China