ADDIS ABABA, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The 29th ordinary session of the African Union (AU) summit kicks off on Monday at the headquarters of the pan-African bloc in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.
Under the theme "Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investment in the Youth, " African heads of state will deliberate on key issues including AU financing and institutional reform as well as peace and security on the continent in their two-day gathering.
The summit is the first being held since the AU has elected a new commission, with former Chadian Foreign Minister Moussa Faki Mahamat as its new chairperson.
The 29th summit is chaired by Guinean President Alpha Conde, who is also the current chair of the rotating AU chairmanship.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent congratulations to African countries and people on the opening of the AU summit.
