Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the Great Hall of the People after a grand welcoming ceremony on Sept 3.
Ethiopia is one of China’s key partners in Africa, Premier Li said. The comprehensive strategic partnership has undergone an in-depth development with a high level of mutual political trust. And the two nations have supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns such as choosing the development route that suits their own national conditions.
China pays great attention to the friendship with Ethiopia, and will work with them to expand bilateral cooperation, the Premier said.
The cooperation between China and Ethiopia is highly complementary. With the spirit of equality and mutual benefit, and in accordance with market and business principles, China expects the bilateral cooperation to take on more vitality. Chinese enterprises are encouraged to invest in Ethiopia to expand cooperation in human resources development, and China will continue to assist Ethiopia in constructing transportation infrastructure, he said.
The Premier stressed his willingness to see a stable and peaceful eastern Africa. China stands ready to enhance communication with Ethiopia in international and regional affairs to better protect the common interests of all developing countries. With the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China will join efforts with African countries to achieve further development.
For his part, Abiy said China is always Ethiopia’s friend, and with its help, Ethiopia and the African continent will continue to advance. Chinese enterprises have exerted active influence on Ethiopian economic society, he added.
He said his country is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in human resources, energy, road and railways, and they’re committed to improve the country’s business environment to attract more investment from Chinese enterprises.
After the meeting, Premier Li and Abiy witnessed the signing of various agreements.
