BEIJING, June 26  -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday lauded the opening of the 23rd Summit of the African Union (AU), saying China firmly supported its unity, self-improvement and integration process.

In a congratulatory message to the summit, which is being held from Thursday to Friday in Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea, Xi said China sincerely hoped to see a united and strong AU and wholeheartedly wished to see African countries and their people continue their progress along the road to peace and development and realize the great dream of Africa's revival soon.

The Chinese president spoke highly of the significant contributions made by the AU and its predecessor, the Organization of African Unity, to strengthening unity and cooperation among African countries, promoting Africa's economic development, and maintaining regional peace and stability.

Xi said China-Africa friendship was linked to the happiness and benefits of 2.3 billion people and was also conducive to enhancing unity and cooperation among developing countries.

No matter how the international situation changed, China would always be a reliable friend and sincere partner of Africa, Xi said.

He said there was currently an unprecedented opportunity for China-Africa cooperation and China would strengthen its cooperation with African countries and the AU and promote the new-type China-Africa strategic partnership to a higher level.