Ethio-Chinese Relationship Developing to Strategic Level: DPM & Foreign Minister Demeke

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Addis Ababa  June 03/2023 (ENA) The relationship between Ethiopia and China is currently developing to a strategic level, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen told China Global Television Network (CGTN). 

Recall that the deputy prime minister and foreign minister recently visited China.

In an interview with CGTN, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister said that the purpose of his visit here was to keep the momentum to address different outstanding issues for a strong engagement between the countries.  


 

According to him, the comprehensive and multilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and China is a role model and a good showcase for many emerging economies in Africa and beyond.

“When we talk about partnership with China, it means comprehensive, strategic and cooperative, which is a very holistic bilateral mechanism. And this approach is also a good foundation for multilateral roles across the globe,” he underlined.

Demeke noted that Ethiopia and China have been experiencing a win-win principle and the existing bilateral relations are very dependable and friendly. 

Apart from being in the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement and having cooperation in many spheres, Ethiopia is also in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

For him, the Belt and Road Initiative is crucial to expedite the collectivity process, the economic connectivity, the economic integration mechanisms, and the like. 

Ethiopia is very keen and committed to be connected through this Belt and Road Initiative mechanism, Demeke pointed out.  

He further stated that some practical new emerging infrastructure development cooperation programs between Ethiopia and China, like the railway project from Addis Ababa to Djibouti and other regional projects, “are very important to implement the broad Belt and Road Initiative that would be a good infrastructure and a good connectivity model to enhance economic cooperation and to diversify engagement within this initiative framework.”

Asked about the evergrowing China-Africa partnership, he said that Africa is a rising continent with huge potential and “the strong relation between China and Africa means it is a practical demonstration and practical south-south cooperation between developing economies.”

The deputy prime minister and foreign minister believes that the Chinese-African partnership really gives another opportunity to influence the whole globe on cooperation mechanisms.

Partnerships like Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and BRI and other mechanisms are instrumental in strengthening the collective engagement in the political dialogue, economic cooperation and the like. 

 Demeke finally emphasized the need to see a peaceful and prosperous society that focuses on development, improved governance, and democracy in Africa.

Ethiopian News Agency
2023