Ethiopia Greatly Appreciates China’s Continued Support for its Economic, Social Development: PM Abiy

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy stated that Ethiopia greatly appreciates China's continued and multifaceted support for Ethiopia's economic and social development.The premier made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit being held in Beijing on September 4, 2024, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Chinese investments have played key role in this progress and Ethiopia's cooperation with China is making significant strides in agriculture, manufacturing, industry, tourism, telecommunication, paper and pulp industry, he added.The prime minister elaborated that Ethiopia prioritizes FOCAC as a force multiplier for the advancement of Africa's modernization efforts and strengthening of Africa-China conceptual and policy alignment.Elevation of Africa's position in world affairs; and increased Africa-China coordination for reformed and representative global governance institutions, he noted.He also exp ressed Ethiopia's readiness for the speedy implementation of China's three proposals for Africa's industrialization, agricultural modernization, and talent development, initiated in August 2023 within the framework of FOCAC.Abiy also applauded Chinese consistent policy towards Ethiopia that demonstrates equality, mutual respect and benefit.President Xi Jinping, on his part said that Ethio-China relations are exemplary of friendly cooperation between China and Africa.He added that, for a long time, the two countries have supported each other in safeguarding their respective core interests and forging unbreakable iron-clad partnership.The president reassured of Chinese readiness to expand pragmatic cooperation between the two countries and support Ethiopia in leveraging its strength as a regional transport hub to establish a rail-sea intermodal transport network in East Africa and building a demonstration area for high quality Belt and Road Cooperation between China and Africa.China is willing to enha nce communication and collaboration with Ethiopia at the regional level as well as within the framework of the United Nations and BRICS to jointly uphold international fairness and justice, President Xi Jinping added.The bilateral discussion of the two countries' top leadership emphasized on synergizing and enhancing joint efforts to yield more results within the spirit of All-Weather Strategic Partnership that was established between the two countries.Source: Ethiopian News Agency