Ethiopia and China celebrate 55th Anniversary of diplomatic relations in Addis Ababa
By Wondesen Aregahegn
Addis Ababa, January 12, 2025 (FMC) – The 55th anniversary of Ethio-China friendship is being celebrated at Friendship Square in Addis Ababa. The event has also served as a platform to celebrate the Chinese New Year among the nationals of the country living in Ethiopia.
The event was attended by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mesganu Arga, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai, President of Addis Ababa University Samuel Kifle, Former Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives and Founder and Chairperson of Deborah Foundation Abadula Gemeda, and other invited guests.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Mesganu stated that the celebration of the 55th anniversary is a reflection of the growing bilateral ties and the unwavering “All Weather Strategic Partnership” between Ethiopia and China in all dimensions.
The Anniversary vividly symbolizes the enduring friendship and mutual trust between Ethiopia and China and serves as a platform to honor the diplomatic journey of the two countries over the past five decades which he said has transformed into an all-weather strategic partnership based on trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to progress and prosperity.
Ambassador Mesganu took the opportunity to congratulate the Chinese Government and people on the Lunar New Year 2025 which is to be celebrating on 29 January as the Year of the Snake.
Saying that the foundation for the bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and China was laid when Emperor Haileselassie visited Beijing in October 1971, the State Minister pointed out that the official visit made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to China and his bilateral talks and agreements with President Xi Jinxing marked the elevation of multifaceted partnership between the two countries.
“The two leaders made their commitment to high level exchange, deeper political trust and expanded cooperation in key areas such as the belt and road initiative, green development, cultural exchange and global partnership,” he noted.
The agreements between the leaders of the two nations solidified the unshakable foundation of our partnership demonstrating its resilience amidst of changing global dynamics.
“Our partnership is based on the principles of equality, noninterference and mutual respect. Not bilateral engagement but also addressing pressing global challenges. Stands as a testament to what can be achieved when nations share vision of mutual respect and collective progress,” the State Minister added.
Calling the anniversary a significant moment to reflect on the flourishing partnership between the two countries over the past five decades, Ambassador Mesganu indicated that China has become Ethiopia’s largest trading partners and a leading source of foreign direct investment.
Transformative projects like the Addis Ababa Djibouti Railway, the riverside green development activities and other road and infrastructural development initiatives undertaken with partnership with China have enabled Ethiopia to accelerate its growth, enhance regional connectivity and unlock new trade opportunities and investment opportunities, according to the State Minister.
China is the close partner for Ethiopia in its industrialization, he said, citing the Eastern Industrial Zone, the Adama Wind Farm as shining examples for the collaboration between the two nations in technological and economic advancement.
Thousands of Ethiopians have benefited from Chinese scholarship and training programs enriching Ethiopia’s human capital and fostering lifelong connection the peoples of the two countries, he elaborated.
Ambassador Mesganu stated that Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reforms has facilitated a more conducive investment climate, calling the Chinese investors to invest in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, mining and ICT sectors in the country.
Ambassador of China to Ethiopia, Chen Hai, for his part, stated that the celebration of the 55th Anniversary has a significance to promote cultural exchange between Ethiopians and Chinese peoples and help Chinese community in Addis Ababa to contribute for the strengthening of Deborah Foundation.
Over the last 5 decades, peoples of the two countries have been working hard fostering bilateral relations between their countries, the Ambassador said.
“In his 2025 New Year Message, Chinese President Xi Jinping, indicated that in the new journey of China’s modernization,” he said, adding, “We will take the 55th Anniversary as a new starting point to implement the outcomes of the 9th FOCAC Summit and the agreements signed between the governments of the two countries to move towards modernization.”
The event featured cultural performances by groups from both countries. A bazaar showcasing various products was also opened to the public, with proceeds going toward supporting the Debora Foundation.
By Wondesen Aregahegn