ADDIS ABABA – The Ethio-China bilateral cooperation has reached new strategic levels, affirmed Shen Qinmin, the Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia. Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Shen highlighted the elevation of the partnership to an all-weather strategic level following the recent visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to China in October 2023. This advancement underscores a deepening of political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the relationship between Ethiopia and China has been significantly enhanced by their shared commitment to political trust and economic cooperation. “Last year, our leaders President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed upgraded our ties to what is now termed an all-weather strategic partnership, marking a historic evolution in our interactions,” he noted. The cooperation spans various sectors, including agriculture, digital economy, and manufacturing, with increasing engagement from Chinese investors in Ethiopia. This growing investment is seen as a testament to the robust partnership and a component of broader China-Africa cooperation.

Furthermore, Shen underscored the positive impact of Ethiopia’s comprehensive economic reforms, which he described as encouraging for both local and foreign investors. He expressed full confidence in the reforms, anticipating that they would create significant opportunities within Ethiopia. The upcoming China-Africa Summit in September is expected to further solidify these ties, with plans to enhance the strategic relationship even further. “Our friendship with Ethiopia is built to last, regardless of circumstances,” Shen concluded, reflecting on the longstanding diplomatic relations established since 1970 between the two countries.