According to Ethiopian News Agency, speaking at the ceremony, these scholarships—comprising 23 Chinese government full scholarships and 280 MOFCOM scholarships—are part of China’s commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of Ethiopian students. These programs enable students to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at some of China’s top universities, furthering their academic and professional goals.

Shen emphasized the role of these scholarships in promoting economic and social development in Ethiopia, highlighting their importance in the broader context of both countries’ efforts towards modernization and high-quality development. He also noted that the educational exchanges foster a deeper, strategic partnership between Ethiopia and China, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.

Idossa Terfassa, head of Scholarship and Internationalization Desk at the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, echoed Shen’s sentiments, stating that these scholarships are pivotal in bolstering the human resource development of Ethiopia. He stressed the importance of the educational initiative in strengthening bilateral relations and encouraged the scholarship recipients to embody the values of excellence, integrity, and service.