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May 25 is the Day of Africa.

The Organization of African Unity was founded in a summit of 30-odd African countries on May 25 1963, which put an end to the colonial rule of foreign forces and achieved independence. The organization played an important role in strengthening the unity and solidarity of continental countries, defending sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, and developing cooperative relations in all fields including politics, the economy and culture.

In the early 21st century, it changed its name into the African Union.

The AU, which involves more than 50 African countries as its member nations, has now developed into the most comprehensive and authoritative organization representing the African continent and set it as its strategic goal to achieve the development and peace of the continent.

The 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU was recently held in the capital of Ethiopia. 

The meeting discussed ways for boosting education in Africa to a higher level in keeping with the 21st century. And it also discussed issues of ensuring the peace and security of the continent and improving the working system of the union.

The Mauritanian president, who was elected chairman of the AU this time, said that it is important to produce a good result, rather than setting a target and making a plan, asserting that the African people can bring about eye-opening development if they strive without losing confidence. He also stressed that the only way to overcome the crisis and challenges facing Africa is to strengthen the joint action in the framework of the union.

It is the unanimous desire of African countries to strengthen unity and cooperation.

It is reported that this year the central banks of all African countries will join the continental payment and clearance system and 30 countries will launch into implementing the free trade zone agreement as the work to set up an FTZ is being pushed. It is the opinion of experts that such a movement of African countries will inject greater vitality into the establishment of continental FTZ. 

The African countries, which account for more than a quarter of the UN membership, are also channelling efforts into expanding their influence in the international arena. They are demonstrating their united efforts while joining voices and taking joint steps in solving important international issues.

The BRICS summit was successfully held in South Africa in August last year amid the worldwide interest and the AU became a full member of the G-20 in September. The NAM Summit and the South Summit in Uganda in January this year served as an important occasion in corroborating the aspirations and enthusiasm of African countries to make an active contribution to strengthening the Non-Aligned Movement, cooperation between developing countries and the establishment of a new international order.

The African countries will continue to achieve regional development and prosperity on the strength of united efforts.