DPM & FM Demeke touts future of Ethiopia-China relationship as bright prospect

Addis Ababa, June 3, 2023 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen said the future of the Ethiopia-China bilateral relationship is bright given the dependable and friendly relationship between the two countries that aspires to exploit untapped opportunities.

Mr. Demeke said this while appearing on the “High-Talk” interview program on CGTN on the sidelines of his visit to China in late May. Our relationship with China is inclusive, comprehensive, strategic, and cooperative, which lays a good foundation to support Ethiopia’s long-term economic objectives, he said.

Aside from bilateral benefits, the relationship between China and Ethiopia is a model for the rest of Africa in demonstrating the continent’s quest for development as part of South-South Cooperation that encourages economic engagement.

In this regard, he mentioned the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) mechanisms as part of the China-Africa relationship that help Africans realise a peaceful and prosperous Africa.

The visits of Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang in January this year and the efforts of China’s special envoy to the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing, demonstrate China’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two countries, he said.

Mr. Demeke mentioned that Ethiopia recognized the role of the Chinese Special Envoy to the HoA, including all actors in the Ethiopian Peace Process, to herald our commitment to consolidating the Peace Process and encourage others to follow suit in solving their problems guided by the principle of African Solutions to African Problems.