Common platforms and initiatives add impetus to Ethiopia-China cooperation: official

Addis Ababa, March 22, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia and China have enjoyed a longstanding relationship that spans over five decades, and there is a need “to enhance cooperation and foster enduring friendship between our two nations,” said Gebeyehu Ganga, Director-General of the Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Addressing a symposium on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) held Wednesday in Addis Ababa, Gebeyehu said that Ethiopia is committed to further strengthening cooperation with China by harnessing the opportunities presented through the BRI and other China-proposed initiatives.

“Initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative underscore our joint efforts in driving the implementation of key programs under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC),” Gebeyehu said.

He said that as a vivid manifestation of the ever-expanding Ethiopia-China ties, the two countries elevated their relations to an all-weather strategic partnership in October last year.

The upgrading of the ties “signifies a new chapter in our bilateral relations,” Ganga said. He stressed Ethiopia’s role as a key player in cementing wider Africa-China cooperation.

“Ethiopia, as a gateway to Africa, stands as a pioneer in China-Africa cooperation, serving as a vital connecting hub on the continent and steadfast partner of China in promoting collaboration through common platforms and initiatives such as the FOCAC, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), among others,” he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Zhao Zhiyuan, in his New Year message in January, said China-Ethiopia cooperation has been gaining momentum across various fields of partnership. Xinhua