PM Abiy, President Xi hold discussion in Johannesburg

Addis Ababa, August 23, 2023 (FBC) – Ahead of the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) today met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a bilateral meeting, the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed.

It is stated that the two leaders expressed mutual interest in further strengthening the relations between both countries and commitment to partnership in multilateral platforms.

Prime Minister Abiy stated that Ethiopia is grateful for the immense support that China has provided over the years.

“The Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between our two countries is a strong basis for mutual growth and development in many areas. I reiterated to President Xi Jinping our continued commitment to strengthening Ethiopia-China relations,” he added.

For his part, President Xi Jinping expressed admiration for the Prime Minister’s leadership in spearheading national development and vowed to support progress in peace and development endeavours, in the areas of reconstruction as well as in enhancing investments and trade ties.

President Xi Jinping also indicated that China will suspend payments on debt maturing in the period 2023/2024 as part of the common framework agreement.

Recall that Prime Minister Abiy and First Lady Zinash Tayachew accompanied by a ministerial delegation today arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa ahead of the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue