China Vows to Sustain its Dev't Support for Ethiopia

Addis Ababa May 10/2018 Chairman of the National People's Congress of China (NPC) Li Zhanshu said his country will continue its multi -sectoral development support for Ethiopia. President Mulatu Teshome and Chairman of the NPC Li Zhanshu held discussion on bilateral and regional issues today. During the meeting, Li said China gives priority to the bilateral ties with Ethiopia and needs Ethiopia to continue its pivotal role in Sino-Africa partnership. According to Meles Alem, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Li expressed that China commended the peaceful election of the new Prime Minister and restoration of tranquility and stability in Ethiopia. He also added that China is desirous for Ethiopia to further promote its leading role in shoring-up the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in general and its strategic partnership with China in particular. President Mulatu Teshome said on his part that China has been playing a key role in Ethiopia’s economic and infrastructure development, adding that "Ethiopia is always ready to work in cooperation with China in various economic sectors." He also expressed that Ethiopia’s clear development policy and unreserved development support from countries like China has played significant role in the country’s achievements. More than 624 investment projects are being run by Chinese companies with over 4 billion US dollar capital; thus created more than 100,000 jobs opportunities for local Ethiopians. President Mulatu appreciated China’s multi-faceted contribution for infrastructure and industrial park developments in Ethiopia, which is a visible manifestation of Ethio-China partnership and expressed his confidence to further continue its support in the future. Li is a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and is one of China's top decision-making bodies. Ethiopia and China have been enjoying long historical ties since 1970.