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| The new AU headquarters is seen as a symbol of China's new role in Africa |
The African
Union is due to inaugurate its newly built headquarters in the Ethiopian
capital, Addis Ababa.
The entire
$200m (£127m) project was funded by China as a gift to the AU, as Beijing
continues to strengthen its influence in Africa.
The 100m
high tower overlooks a vast conference centre where African heads of state are
expected to meet for years to come.
Their first
AU summit in the building will take place on the weekend.
China's
most senior political adviser, Jia Qinglin, will attend the opening of the new
headquarters and will address African leaders at the start of their assembly on
Sunday.
The new AU
building dominates the skyline of Addis Ababa and is the city's tallest
building.
Most of the
materials used were imported from China and even the furnishings were paid for
by Beijing, AFP news agency reports.
Construction
began in January 2009 and involved 1,200 Chinese and Ethiopian workers.
The project
co-ordinator, Fantalum Michael, says the new building signifies China's growing
friendship with Africa.
"It's
a testimony that this relationship will continue in the future," he told
AFP.
Thriving
relationship
Trade
between China and Africa has increased more than six-fold during the past
decade to $120bn (£76bn) in 2011.
China is
interested in Africa's natural resources and in return is investing huge sums
in African infrastructure.
Roads are
being built by Chinese firms at a staggering rate, says the BBC's Will Ross in
Addis Ababa.
While other
rich nations impose conditions before aid is given, China's relationship with
African countries is strictly a business one, he says.
Human rights
groups have criticised China for undermining efforts by western countries to
link aid to improvements in governance.
However
African leaders have welcomed the Chinese approach and have embraced investment
from Beijing.
In
Ethiopia, many jobs have been created through Chinese-funded projects.
Chinese
cars are being made in Ethiopian factories and China is also building a light
railway across Addis Ababa.
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