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African and world leaders arrive at the headquarters of the African Union in Ethiopia on Saturday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding.
US Secretary of State John Kerry was among those attending.
Washingron wants to strengthen its ties with the continent, home to some of the world's fastest growing economies, amidst concerns over growing Chinese influence.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn praised China's role in helping to develop the continent.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ETHIOPIAN PRIME MINISTER, HAILEMARIAM DESALEGN, SAYING:
"It is encouraging to note that some of our friends and partners have given priority to infrastructure development in Africa in terms of their strategy partnership with our continent. In this regard I wish to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to China for investing billions to assist us in our development endeavours."
Africa's first attempt to f
