BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) -- State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Friday night attended a reception in Beijing to mark the founding of the Organization of African Unity 51 years ago, predecessor of the African Union.

Addressing the reception, held by the African Diplomatic Corps in China, Yang said it is China's long-term choice to enhance friendly cooperation with African countries.

The visit to Africa made by President Xi Jinping last year show high priority Africa has with China's leaders, said Yang.

China will deepen cooperation with Africa in various areas based on the principle of "sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith" to advance the China-Africa partnership, Yang said.H Mauritanian Ambassador to China Bal Mohamed El Habib read congratulatory remarks by the President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, current president of the African Union.