Former president asserts Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring BRI’s success

Addis Ababa, August 18, 2023 (FBC) – Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, who studied in China and is an expert in Chinese language and culture, spoke with People’s Daily Online in an exclusive interview to shed light on the decades-long friendship between Ethiopia and China.

While shedding light on the growing ties between Ethiopia and China, Mulatu said, “From its very name, the Belt and Road is about having infrastructure in place to connect countries – connect China to Africa, to Ethiopia. It gives very important emphasis to the development of infrastructure, which Ethiopia is a beneficiary of,” Mulatu told People’s Daily Online.

Teshome also lauded the Chinese-built Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, stating that Ethiopia welcomes further infrastructure development to facilitate the easy movement of products and services between China and Ethiopia.

According to Teshome, the Belt and Road is very important. When considering the countries it encompasses, Africa can benefit greatly from the BRI, which spans across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia. These regions can be connected via various modes – railways, roads, or sea routes. “Ethiopia is dedicated to make this initiative a success story,” said Mulatu.

Chinese investment in Ethiopia, especially in the manufacturing sector, will be a primary focus, according to Mulatu. He also emphasized the promising future of bilateral ties between the two countries. China and Ethiopia have begun collaborating on industrial parks and industrial zones in several Ethiopian cities, and this trend is set to continue.

“It is not something which starts this year and ends next year. It is going to be long, long-term cooperation. From this long-term cooperation, both Ethiopia and China can benefit. And if we have this strong cooperation, strong economic interaction, then it will be the foundation for the political, diplomatic, cultural and other aspects of the relationship between our two countries,” said the former president.

Mulatu attributes China’s impressive economic advancement to the Chinese government’s effective policies. However, to him, what truly stands out is their people-oriented approach.

“Not only has the government focused on boosting the economy, but they’ve also prioritized enhancing Chinese living standards. “That, I think, is the most successful part of China’s reform and opening-up,” he added.

Regarding the emerging multipolar system, Mulatu called the international community to reevaluate the economic share and political attitudes to ensure fairness to all nations, regardless of size.

He expressed his belief that to navigate the challenges unseen in a century, developing nations should work together to create a multipolar world. He spoke highly of the BRICS, adding that an increasing number of countries are expressing their willingness to join the organization.

“In that reformation of the global standard, countries may seek to protect their interests and national interests. It is to get out of the challenges of being dominated by some few. Developing nations should seek a common agenda for themselves in the interest of their respective national interests,” he added.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Ethiopia on Nov. 24, 1970, the two countries have cultivated a strong relationship. This bond has since evolved into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, serving as a prime example of China-Africa relations.