China-Horn of Africa Peace Conference kicks off in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, June 20, 2022 (FBC) – The First China-Horn of Africa Peace Conference is underway In Addis Ababa in the presence of China’s special envoy to the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing and other high-level officials of the region.

The two-day conference is a China-led initiative that is made possible with the full cooperation of countries in the region to hold the conference in Addis Ababa aiming to promote peace, good governance and development in the region, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

High Government officials of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Uganda, Sudan and South Sudan are participating in the peace conference. Security Advisor of the Prime Minister Ambassador Redwan Hussien, representing Ethiopia said the Horn Region which has more than 300 million population is being stricken by conflict, drought and Coronavirus pandemic, calling for concerted efforts to address the challenges.

In his remarks at the conference, China’s special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing said China is committed to socio-economic integration among countries of the East African region.

Xue Bing added China will continue its support its support to countries of the region in promoting technology transfer, infrastructure development and strengthening the financial sector.

“China will stand by countries of the region in the fight against terrorism thereby ensure sustainable peace and stability in the Horn Region,” Xue Bing added.

The conference is taking place in Addis Ababa following China’s appointment of Xue Bing as special envoy of the Horn of Africa. China has been implementing the Belt and Road Initiative in Africa as part of its huge investments aimed to link the region with Middle East.