Addis Ababa, April 23, 2023 (FBC) – The achievements of the Ethiopian peace process have won extensive recognition from the international community and China is truly heartened by this, Chinese Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, Xue Bing, said.
Mr Xue Bing has sent his congratulatory message to the Ethiopian Government and people on the conclusion of the peace process.
He also extended his appreciation to the AU and other international partners who have been dedicated to Ethiopia’s Peace Process.
In a press release sent to Fana Broadcasting Corporate, Special Envoy Bing stressed that Ethiopia’s peace is a victory of unity and dialogue.
“By bearing in mind the fundamental interests of Ethiopia and the well-being of its people, the federal government and the TPLF chose to resolve differences and reach reconciliation through political dialogue. This has not only brought many benefits to peace and development in the Horn of Africa, but also set a fine example for other regions to solve internal disputes in peaceful means.”
Ethiopia’s peace is also a victory for African autonomy. Facts have proven that the Ethiopian people have the capability and wisdom to independently solve their internal differences and achieve domestic peace. Facts have also proven that the principle of African solution to African problems is feasible and should become an important guidance for the international community’s constructive participation in Africa’s peace and security affairs.
The Special Envoy noted that China always believes that peace and stability underpin a country’s development and prosperity. Dialogue and negotiations are the right way to solve differences and disputes as they serve the fundamental interests of the people.
“After the conflict broke out, on the basis of respecting Ethiopia’s sovereignty, China actively promoted peace talks for the benefit of the Ethiopian people’s fundamental interests and the region’s peace and development, playing a constructive role for Ethiopia’s Peace Process,” Mr. Bing said.
“We maintained close communication with relevant parties. To meet Ethiopia’s urgent needs, we provided multiple batches of food, COVID-19 vaccines and other emergency humanitarian assistance for Ethiopia. To promote long-term peace and development in the region, we put forward the outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa, supported Ethiopia in successfully hosting the first Horn of Africa Peace Conference, and facilitated relevant parties’ efforts to reach an important consensus on realizing regional development through unity and cooperation,” hen stated.
Regarding further advancement of Ethiopia’s Peace Process, the Envoy said the implementation of the Peace Agreement has made much headway, adding that China applauds this achievement.
“As a good brother, good friend and good partner of the Ethiopian people, China stands ready to work with the rest of the international community to support Ethiopia in cementing peace, conducting post-war reconstruction and accelerating economic recovery in the process of implementing the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa.”
“China will remain committed to the principle of non-interference in other country’s internal affairs. We will make sure that the Peace Process remains Ethiopian-led and Ethiopian-owned, and that in advancing this process, Ethiopia’s sovereignty, security and development interests are fully safeguarded. The international community needs to respect the sovereignty of the Ethiopian government and its right to manage Ethiopia’s internal affairs, play an active and constructive role, and take concrete actions to support Ethiopia’s Peace Process.”
“China needs to support post-war reconstruction efforts and promote economic recovery. Currently Ethiopia is at a critical stage of consolidating peace and restoring development. And it is faced with arduous reconstruction tasks.”
Mr. Bing reiterated China’s commitment to work with the rest of the international community to increase humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia for the improvement of its people’s livelihood.
“China will better coordinate with Ethiopia, and take Belt and Road development and the implementation of the outcomes of FOCAC as an opportunity to support Ethiopia in accelerating reconstruction and economic recovery.”
He asked relevant countries to lift sanction measures against Ethiopia as soon as possible in order to get the Ethiopian people out of difficulties at an early date.
The Envoy further called on countries in the Horn to strengthen cooperation to share peace and development. He added: “Ethiopia is an important country in the Horn of Africa, and its peace has injected strong impetus to stability and development in the region. China will support regional countries in responding to security, development and governance challenges in the process of implementing the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa and the development plan of “two axes plus two coasts”.
China is ready to conduct tripartite cooperation in the region with other international partners to make the Horn of Africa a Horn of peace, development and win-win cooperation, Mr. Xue Bing added.