Ethiopia–China ties remain firm in the face of volatile world – Envoy

Addis Ababa, October 20, 2023 (FBC) – The transformation of Ethiopia-China diplomatic relations from comprehensive and enduring strategic cooperative partnership level to an all-weather strategic cooperation partnership level can be considered as a pinnacle in the history of bilateral diplomatic ties, according to Tefera Derbew, Ethiopian Ambassador to China.

Highlighting the history of Ethiopia-China relations, the ambassador pointed out that the relation between the two countries is based on friendly partnership rather than competition.

Describing their strategic partnership is in all fields [economic, social, military and security fields], Ambassador Tefera said that the relations between the two countries is close to the highest level of ties.

Only four countries in the world are at this level of relations with China, the envoy reminded while asserting Ethiopia is the only country in Africa that has established firm relations with China at this level.

He said that this is a massive opportunity for Ethiopia in prompting proximity of outlook beyond the economic, military and security cooperation as well as people-to-people, institution-to-institution, and business-to-business (B2B) ties and the trading of goods and materials.

According to him, the elevation of the relations between the two nations will strengthen the existing relations built on mutual respect.

Ambassador Dewano Kedir, Deputy Head of Mission of the Ethiopian Embassy in China, in his assessment of the Ethio-China Investment Forum, stated that the purpose of the forum held in Beijing and Shanghai cities aimed at promoting Ethiopia’s enticing investment opportunities.

He further claimed that the forum was organized to encourage more Chinese investors to tap the investment opportunities in Ethiopia.

At the forum, five Chinese companies that have decided to come to Ethiopia for investment have inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), he recalled.

Mr Dewano also mentioned that face-to-face discussions were held between the Ethiopian delegates and the representatives of the companies. In a nutshell, the investment and business forum was effective and successful, the Deputy Head of Missionn added.