PM Abiy, China's Foreign Minister Wang Discuss Ethio-China Relations

Addis Ababa January 03/2019 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with China’s State Counselor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi today.

Acknowledging the longstanding relationship between the two countries and China’s immense contribution to Ethiopia, the premier said the new frontier of strengthened relationship needs to capitalize on introducing new forms of technology.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi appreciated on his part the successful reform initiatives that have been taking place over the past few months in Ethiopia.

He further emphasized that Ethiopia is on the right path and that China remains committed to supporting and developing new dimensions to the relationship, according to Office of the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu also welcomed Wang Yi when he arrived in Addis Ababa for a working visit yesterday.

During the discussion they held, FM Wang Yi said “Ethio-China relationship is unshakeable and unbreakable as it is based on solid political, economic and social foundations.”

He described the relationship between the peoples and governments of Ethiopia and China as “historic and solid.”

Statement posted by Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs further quoted Wang as saying, “We support the economic reforms Ethiopia is undertaking. Ethiopia continues to be a strategic partner and reliable ally in Africa; friendship and cooperation will continue and there is no policy change towards Ethiopia.”

Foreign Minister Workneh commended the age-old relationship of the two countries that has gradually ascended into a strong win-win situation.

“We appreciate China for pursuing consistent and stable foreign policy that has been dependable and practical for our people,” he told his Chinese counterpart.

Moreover, Workneh noted that the long-standing tie between Ethiopia and China navigates through multifaceted dynamic economic cooperation and engagements on a number of areas.

He also lauded China’s endeavor to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Ethiopia and its commitment to safeguard common interests of both sides in regional and international venues.

Foreign Minister Wang has delivered President Xi Jinping’s invitation to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to attend the Second China Belt and Road Initiative which will be held in Beijing in April.