China Expresses Readiness to Further Strengthen Historic Cooperation with Ethiopia

Addis Ababa November 15, 2023 (ENA) China is ready to work with Ethiopia to further strengthen cooperation on bilateral, international and regional issues, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress, Losang Gyaltsen said. 

During his meeting with Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Tagesse Chafo alongside with his Chinese delegation today, he said last month, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was invited to attend the third Belt and Road forum for International cooperation and paid an official and friendly visit to china.

Citing the productive meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Abiy, he said the discussion held between the two leaders is the opening of a grand new chapter of the traditional friendship of  China and Ethiopia. 

Noting that China is ready to work with Ethiopia to deliver on the important common and mutual understandings, he said "our two leaders continue to deepen the exchanges and cooperation." 

Under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, China-Ethiopia relations have reached a historical height.   “We should continue to friendly support each other on issues of core interest and major concerns.”

“China supports Ethiopia in joining the BRICS and China is ready to work with Ethiopia to further strengthen cooperation on international, regional and African affairs,” Gyaltsen underscored.  

China is also ready to work with Ethiopia to accelerate the implementation of current cooperation projects, to further expand the practical ties in various areas, he affirmed.

Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Tagesse Chaffo said for his part that Ethiopia and China are working closely on bilateral and multilateral issues.  

Praising China’s continued support to Ethiopia at the global stage, he emphasizing  the need to strengthen people-to-people relationship, cultural exchange, and institutions between the two countries. 

The Speaker has also commended Chinese support of various projects such as the riverside project in Addis Ababa, the scholarships, the capacity building programs and among others.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s ten-year perspective plan and the homegrown economic reform, he further noted the main targets of the plan includes quality and efficient infrastructural project, sustainable urban development, sustainable and inclusive financial sector development, and creating job opportunities among others. 

Regarding the implementation of such programs, the speaker said “the support of the Chinese government is helping us a lot in achieving our goals.”

During Prime Minister Abiy’s visit to China, the leaders of the two countries witnessed the signing of 14 cooperation documents on digital economy, infrastructure, agricultural and technological assistance among others, it was indicated.