Addis Ababa, October 17, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia and China have signed agreements to bolster their comprehensive cooperation, including economy, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed who is in Beijing, China for an official visit held bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping.
During the occasion, the elevation of partnership between the two countries from Comprehensive and Enduring Strategic Cooperative Partnership to an ‘All Weather Strategic Cooperation Partnership’ level has been announced.
The premier also held discussion with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on ways of enhancing economic cooperation between Ethiopia and China.
In addition to the bilateral talks, 12 agreements and 2 letters of intent in various fields were signed between the two countries to strengthen cooperation in various fields.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Birtukan Ayano said the two countries have signed various agreements to strengthen their comprehensive cooperation in multifaceted spheres.
The agreement will enable Ethiopia and China to work together on the implementation of the Road and Belt Initiative and other related issues, she stated.
In the economic field, an agreement has been signed to work together on agricultural development, green economy development, urban development and other related fields.
In the infrastructure sector, an agreement was signed regarding the Ethio-Djibouti railway, according to Birtukan.
An agreement has also been signed to support efforts in ensuring the quality of coffee production throughout the whole process from cultivation to export, she said.
Moreover, she elaborated that the countries have signed agreements to cooperate in various fields including health, culture, tourism and technology.
Ethiopian ambassador to China Tefera Derbew said for his part that the bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and China has grown to a higher level.
He recalled that the relationship between the two countries had grown into a comprehensive strategic cooperation and has been strong in various the fields including politics, economy, trade, investment and education as well as people-to-people ties, ENA reports.
The delegation led by the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and consisting of ministers will participate at the third Belt and Road Forum.