At noon on September 4, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, who is in China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and an official visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Xi Jinping pointed out that Ethiopia is an example for African countries in their pursuit of independence, liberation and self-driven development, and China-Ethiopia relations serve as an exemplary model of China-Africa friendly cooperation. The two countries enjoy a solid foundation of political mutual trust and cooperation in various fields continues to reach new heights. China is ready to further deepen solidarity and cooperation with Ethiopia, continuously push forward the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries, and make greater contributions to China-Africa friendship.
Xi Jinping stressed that for a long time, China and Ethiopia have firmly supported each other in safeguarding their respective core interests and resolutely opposed external interference, forging an unbreakable ironclad friendship. The two sides should become good partners characterized by high-degree mutual trust, common development, solidarity, mutual assistance, and exchange between civilizations, enhancing the strategic nature and steering role of bilateral cooperation through a high degree of political mutual trust. China supports Ethiopia's post-conflict reconstruction, development and revitalization, and is ready to seize the opportunity presented by the FOCAC Summit to expand practical cooperation between the two countries. China supports Ethiopia in leveraging its advantages as a regional transportation hub, promoting the interconnected development of infrastructure and industries, and building a sea-rail combined transport network in the East Africa region as well as a demonstration zone for high-quality China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation. China is ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Ethiopia at the regional level and within frameworks such as the United Nations and BRICS, promote the implementation of the "Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa", and jointly uphold international fairness and justice. Ethiopia, as the first African co-chair of FOCAC, has consistently supported FOCAC's development. China is ready to work with Ethiopia to ensure the full success of the summit.
Abiy Ahmed Ali expressed his pleasure of visiting China again and admiring the perfect blend of history and modernization, particularly in Beijing, which gives reference to Ethiopia's urban and modernization efforts. China's policy towards Ethiopia fully reflects equality and mutual respect, and their bilateral relationship features mutual benefit and win-win results. The investment and cooperation of Chinese enterprises have made significant contributions to Ethiopia's economic and social development. Ethiopia is willing to work with China to continue to firmly support each other, and hopes to take the FOCAC Beijing Summit as an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, infrastructure, industry, connectivity, and security, helping Ethiopia achieve stability and development, and push for more outcomes in the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries. Ethiopia is willing to keep close communication and coordination with China in international and multilateral affairs.
Wang Yi was present at the meeting.
