China, Ethiopia keen to strengthen ties

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday spoke highly of China’s remarkable achievements on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, saying that his country is ready to work with China for greater development of bilateral ties.

Ahmed made the remarks when meeting with senior diplomat Wang Yi, who is paying a visit to the African country on his way to attend the 13th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security, to be held in Johannesburg next week.

Ahmed said China has set a good example for developing countries by firmly following a development path that suits its own conditions and leads to social and economic progress.

Ethiopia is willing to learn from China’s development philosophy and experience and strive to achieve agricultural self-sufficiency and fast economic growth, he said.

The prime minister also said his country firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is ready to jointly build the Belt and Road with China and carry out closer cooperation in all areas.

Wang, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, or CPCCC, said China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Ethiopia and other African countries in trade and investment, green development, digital economy and health care, among other fields.

China’s cooperation with Africa is an important part of South-South cooperation and is never used to seek geopolitical self-interests, said Wang, who is also a member of the CPCCC Political Bureau.

Noting that Ethiopia is a major African country with important influence, Wang said China is ready to work with Ethiopia to further tap the potential for cooperation, help the country to speed up industrialization, modernize its agriculture and explore green and low-carbon development.

Wang also said that China encouraged competitive Chinese companies with good reputation to invest in Ethiopia and the Chinese side is willing to play a positive role in easing the African nation’s debt pressure.

It is hoped that Ethiopia will create a favorable business environment, he said.