Ethiopia, China sign agreement to establish Law Enforcement Cooperation Center

Addis Ababa, July 10, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopian Federal Police Chief Commissioner General Demelash Gebre-Michael held a discussion with a delegation led by China’s Vice Minister of Public Security, Chen Zhiyuan.

During the meeting, General Demelash Gebre-Michael recalled his recent visit to China and the discussions he held with officials of fellow institutions on ways of strengthening the cooperation of the police institutions of the two countries.

He further recalled that the discussion also focused on organizing bilateral senior officials and expert group forums and jointly prevent cross-border crimes.

In addition, the Chief Commissioner mentioned that they advised to establish an Ethio-China law enforcement cooperation center in Ethiopia and to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies.

He pointed out that Ethiopia has a strong diplomatic relationship with China, reassuring that his country attaches great importance to the partnership between the two countries.

He reiterated his commitment to further strengthen the relations in the security sector and increase police-to-police cooperation.

For his part, Chen Zhiyuan said that China pays special attention to its diplomatic relations with Ethiopia.

He indicated that his country is ready to help the Forensic Excellence Center being built by the Ethiopian Federal Police of with materials, capacity building, and technology.

In the first meeting held by the top leaders of the two countries’ police institutions, an agreement has been reached to scale up the ties of both sides by facilitating experience sharing platform for the police leaders, officers and senior experts.

The police institutions of the two countries agreed to hold a bilateral joint forum in 2025 in China at the level of senior leaders.

It was mentioned that both sides reached an agreement to establish an Ethio-China law enforcement cooperation center in Ethiopia, jointly prevent cross-border crimes and work together on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

It is learned that they also agreed to exchange criminal suspects, protect the safety of citizens in the two countries, and protect Chinese projects and institutions in Ethiopia.

Moreover, they agreed to ensure the peace and security of the two countries by exchanging information and to strengthen the capacity of Ethiopian police by providing educational opportunities in China.