Ethiopia, China announce elevating bilateral ties to all-weather strategic partnership

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2023 (FBC) – The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the People’s Republic of China announced Tuesday the elevation of their bilateral ties to all-weather strategic partnership, according to the joint statement issued by the leaders of the two countries.

The statement was issued after the bilateral discussion between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and President Xi Jinping on Tuesday morning at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, together with their respective delegations.

During the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed indicated the importance of Chinese investments in Ethiopia’s economy and encouraged more investments into the five key pillars of agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, mining and Tourism.

China continues to be a critical partner for Ethiopia, he emphasized while expressing his gratitude to President Xi Jinping for the warm welcome and the fruitful discussion.

For his part, President Xi congratulated Prime Minister Abiy on Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS and announced the elevation of partnership between the two countries from Comprehensive and Enduring Strategic Cooperative Partnership level to an All Weather Strategic Cooperation Partnership level.

He further commended Ethiopia’s achievements through the Green Legacy program citing its alignment with China’s green development policy and affirmed it will be an integral part of a green belt and road program, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.