China, Ethiopia need to be partners

China, Ethiopia need to be partners of mutual support said Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang

Addis Ababa, The Gulf Observer: China and Ethiopia need to be partners that firmly support each other, pursue common development and uphold international fairness and justice, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said.

Qin made the remarks when meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

He said since China and Ethiopia established diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, the two countries have always helped each other and moved forward side by side no matter how the international situation changed, serving as a paragon of solidarity and cooperation among developing countries.Noting that China supports Ethiopia in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions, Qin said leaders of the two countries have maintained close exchanges in recent years, charting the course for the development of bilateral relations under the new circumstances.

Qin reiterated China’s readiness to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation in various fields with Ethiopia and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Ethiopia and participate in its reconstruction drive, he said.He expressed the hope that Ethiopia will provide a sound business environment and take effective measures to protect the security and safety as well as the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese personnel and institutions.

For his part, Ahmed said Ethiopia looks forward to strengthening exchanges of experience in governance with China so as to unite and lead all Ethiopian people to adhere to independence and accelerate the development and revitalization of the country.He said Qin’s choice of Ethiopia as the first stop of his first overseas visit since taking office fully demonstrates the profound friendship between the two countries and the importance of bilateral relations.

Ahmed said Ethiopia’s cooperation with China in such areas as infrastructure, green economy, agriculture and industrial park construction has been exemplary and produced remarkable results, helping Ethiopia rank among the fastest-growing economies in Africa.Ethiopia welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the east African country, said Ahmed.On the same day, Qin held talks with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen.

The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultation between the two foreign ministries and other cooperation documents.Qin addressed members of the press along with Demeke after their talks.