ANKARA

The African Union will open a permanent mission in the Chinese capital Beijing this year, the Kenyan press reported Wednesday. 

The move signals the union’s intention to improve ties between Africa and China, the continent’s biggest trading partner, said The East African.

The decision was taken during the 35th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa that took place on Feb. 5-6, it noted.

It added that the mission will consist of various senior officials including policy officers in charge of economic and commercial cooperation, technical cooperation, technology, science and education, culture, tourism and engagement of the African diaspora living in China.