BEIJING -?Africa is a dynamic continent going through rapid development and he has full confidence in the bright future of Africa's development, according to a press release on Sunday.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang made the remarks in a joint interview with African press ahead of his official visit to Ethiopia and the headquarters of the African Union, Nigeria, Angola and Kenya from May 4 to 11.

The premier said he "did not see the whole of Africa" though he visited Egypt in 2009.

He said he has read some books about Africa and learned that the entire Africa consists of the Arab region in the north and the Sub-Saharan Africa. "It is a vast, fertile and fascinating continent."

Africa has a time-honored and brilliant civilization. There are over 1,500 tribes and more than 2,000 languages in Africa, and it is known as the origin of human civilization. Africa is well known for the mighty Nile River, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the stunning Great Rift Valley in East Africa and the world-renowned animal migration in Maasai Mara.

The African people and tribal chiefs are hospitable and African music and dances are invigorating. "Africa is a dynamic continent going through rapid development and I have been looking forward to this visit for a long time," he said.

Since the beginning of this century, the African countries have given fresh vigor to pan-Africanism and made great strides in accelerating African integration, the premier said.

Over the past decade and more, Africa has been a global leader in pursuing fast economic growth and made impressive achievements in economic and social development, he said.

Today's Africa, full of vigor for development, is held in high regards by the world. It is fair to say that Africa has become a major force in moving the world towards multi-polarity, an important emerging market that helps promote global economic recovery and integration, and an outstanding representative of diverse civilizations in the world, Li said.

"I have great admiration for the spirit of unity and perseverance of the African people and have full confidence in the bright future of Africa's development," Li said.