At noon on September 4, President Xi met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abi, who was in China to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and for an official visit.
Xi pointed out that Ethiopia is an example for African countries seeking independence, liberation and independent development, and China-Ethiopia relations can be regarded as an example of China-Africa friendly cooperation. The foundation of political mutual trust between the two countries is solid, and cooperation in various fields continues to move to a higher level. China is willing to continue to deepen unity and cooperation with Ethiopia, promote the continuous development of the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries, and make greater contributions to promoting China-Africa friendship.
President Xi stressed that for a long time, China and Ethiopia have always firmly supported each other in safeguarding their respective core interests, resolutely opposed the interference of external forces, and forged an ironclad friendship. The two sides should be good partners with a high degree of mutual trust, common development, solidarity and mutual learning among civilizations, and enhance the strategic and leading role of bilateral cooperation with a high level of political mutual trust. China supports Ethiopia’s post-war reconstruction, development and revitalization, and stands ready to take the FOCAC summit as an opportunity to expand practical cooperation between the two countries, support Ethiopia in leveraging its advantages as a regional transport hub, promote the interconnected and integrated development of infrastructure and industries, and build a rail and maritime transport network in East Africa and a demonstration zone for China-Africa high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. China is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with Ethiopia at the regional level and within the frameworks of the United Nations and BRICS, promote the implementation of the Vision of Peaceful Development in the Horn of Africa, and jointly uphold international fairness and justice. Ethiopia is the first African co-chair of FOCAC and has always supported the development of FOCAC. China is ready to work with Ethiopia to make the summit a complete success.
Abiy said that he is glad to visit China again and appreciate the perfect integration of history and modernization in China, especially Beijing, which is of great significance for Ethiopia’s urban and modernization construction. China’s policy towards Ethiopia fully embodies equality and mutual respect, and bilateral relations are mutually beneficial and win-win. The investment and cooperation of Chinese enterprises have made important contributions to the economic and social development of Ethiopia. Ethiopia is willing to continue to firmly support each other with China, and hopes to take the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, infrastructure, industry, connectivity and security, so as to help Ethiopia achieve stability and development and push for more achievements of the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries. Ethiopia is willing to keep close communication and coordination with China in international multilateral affairs.
Post time: Sep-05-2024