第二，非洲地域广袤，资源丰富，人民勤劳，10亿人口的巨大发展潜能正强劲释放。新世纪以来，非洲经济发展步伐加快，年均增长超过5%，是全球经济成长最快的地区之一，成为国际金融危机阴霾下的一抹亮色。非洲经济总量已达到2万亿美元，被公认为全球重要的新兴市场。可以说，非洲是全球经济增长新的一极。

Second, boasting vast geographical expanse, abundant resources and industrious population, Africa’s huge development potential as a community of one billion people is being vigorously unleashed. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Africa’s economic growth has picked up speed. With an average annual growth rate of over 5%, Africa now ranks among the fastest growing regions in the world, a bright spot in the gloomy global economy under the impact of the financial crisis. With an economic aggregate of US$2 trillion, Africa is commonly recognized as a major emerging global market. Africa is indeed the latest pole in global economic growth.

第三，非洲历史悠久，文化灿烂，是世界文明的发源地，对人类文化的丰富多样和交流传播有着深远影响。不论是人类共同的“祖母”露西，还是古老的金字塔，不论是简单而韵律明快的鼓点，还是质朴而活力四射的舞蹈，都是非洲亮丽的名片。在当今世界的音乐、雕塑、绘画等艺术形式中，都闪耀着非洲文明的璀璨光芒。可以说，非洲是人类文明的多彩一极。

Third, Africa has a time-honored history and brilliant culture. It is the origin of human civilization and has had a far-reaching impact on the world’s cultural diversity, exchanges and dissemination. Mankind’s common “grandmother” Lucy, the ancient Pyramids, the simple but rhythmic drumbeats and the rustic and passionate dances are all held up as shining brand names of Africa. African civilization has shed brilliant lights on the present-day music, sculpture, painting and other art forms of the world. Africa is indeed a colorful pole in world civilizations.

“蜘蛛合力，足以网住狮子”，这句埃塞俄比亚谚语生动揭示了一个朴素的真理：团结就是力量。今天的非洲，正朝着一体化建设的目标迈进。今天的非盟，在非洲和世界事务中发挥着越来越大的作用。中国将不断加强同非盟的关系，坚定支持非盟在非洲一体化进程中发挥引领作用，在维护非洲和平安全中发挥主导作用，在地区和国际事务中发挥更大作用。中方愿向非盟提供力所能及的帮助。我们对生活在这片土地上的伟大人民始终充满敬意，对非洲未来的光明前景坚信不疑！

“When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion.” This Ethiopian proverb vividly portrays a simple truth that unity is strength. Today’s Africa is marching towards integration. Today’s AU is playing an increasingly important role in African and world affairs. China will continue to strengthen relations with the AU and firmly support it in spearheading African integration and upholding peace and security in Africa, and in playing an even bigger role in regional and international affairs. China is ready to provide assistance to the AU to the best of its ability. We have high esteem for the great people living on this continent. And we have full confidence in the bright future of Africa.

女士们，先生们！

Ladies and Gentlemen,