Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia

On May 12, 2017, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia, who was in China for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).

Xi Jinping pointed out that with the joint efforts of the two countries, China-Ethiopia cooperation has been at the forefront of China-Africa cooperation. I proposed to upgrade the bilateral relations between the two countries to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in order to reflect the strategic significance and the high level of political mutual trust of bilateral relations. The two sides should maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, expand exchanges and cooperation in all fields and render mutual understanding and support to the issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns. We should concentrate resources to focus on the construction of cooperation projects in such areas as connectivity and production capacity and promote mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and economy between the two countries in a secure, orderly and effective manner. We also should strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation in youth, women, university, think tank, media, culture and other fields, and deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. China welcomes the expansion of cooperation in aviation between the two countries.

Xi Jinping stressed that Ethiopia is a highly influential nation in Africa and also a historical and natural extension of the Maritime Silk Road. China congratulates on Ethiopia's participation in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and supports the country to play a role as a bridge connecting the "Belt and Road" initiative and Africa. China is willing to work with Ethiopia to take the implementation of the outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the promotion of "Belt and Road" construction as an opportunity to comprehensively deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields and promote win-win cooperation and common development.

Hailemariam Desalegn said that Ethiopia and China have achieved significant progress in trade, economy, investment, production capacity, infrastructure construction and other extensive areas. Ethiopia is willing to deepen cooperation with China within the framework of the implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit. The "Belt and Road" initiative is a farsighted initiative with global implications, which will promote connectivity and cooperation in trade and investment. Ethiopia will actively participate in the "Belt and Road" construction and cooperation.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others attended the meeting.

(From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China)