NAIROBI, July 10 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) is seeking to cement counter-terrorism cooperation with China, an official said on Wednesday.
Idriss Mounir Lallali, deputy director of African Center for the Study and Research on Terrorism at AU, told Xinhua in Nairobi that the continent looks forward to cooperation with the Asian nation in this regard based on already robust ties.
"We are looking for more opportunities to cooperate with Chinese experts on counter terrorism in order to improve peace and security in Africa," Lallali said on the sidelines of the Africa regional high-level conference on counter-terrorism and the prevention of violent extremism.
Lallali said that China has built a lot of expertise in the area of counter terrorism which could be useful in Africa.
He revealed that the AU has already signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chinese authorities in relation to counter-terrorism cooperation.
"Under agreement, AU member states will receive capacity building support from their Chinese counterparts," Lallali added.
He said Africa also seeks China's support to push the continent's agenda on counter terrorism at the United Nations Security Council.
The AU has also signed an agreement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization counter-terrorism center which provides an additional avenue for African nations to work with their Chinese counterparts.
Lallali revealed that Africa is prioritizing information exchanges with international counterparts due to the trans-boundary nature of terror networks.
