On May 25, 2023, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang held talks in Beijing with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen.

Qin Gang said that China and Ethiopia are good friends with a high degree of mutual trust, good partners with sincere cooperation, and good brothers who treat each other with all sincerity. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than half a century ago, the two countries have always supported and helped each other, setting a good example of solidarity, cooperation and win-win development between developing countries. In recent years, thanks to the care and promotion of the leaders of the two countries, the China-Ethiopia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership has developed rapidly, practical cooperation has been continuously deepened, and bilateral friendship has taken deep roots in the hearts of the people. China is ready to work with Ethiopia to follow the guidance of the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, continue to firmly support each other on issues related to each other’s core interests and major concerns, and continuously work for new progress in bilateral relations.

Noting that Ethiopia is now at a critical juncture of consolidating peace and focusing on development, Qin Gang stressed that China firmly supports Ethiopia’s peace process and stands ready to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields to assist Ethiopia’s post-war reconstruction, development and revitalization. China is also ready to strengthen cooperation with Ethiopia to promote the implementation of the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa. China has already delivered two batches of emergency food aid to countries in the Horn of Africa and is considering providing a new batch to meet their urgent needs.

Qin Gang thanked the Ethiopian government for providing strong support and assistance for China’s evacuation of Chinese nationals from Sudan and the rescue of Chinese nationals detained in Ethiopia. He expressed the hope that the Ethiopian government could take concrete and effective measures to protect the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese institutions and personnel.

Demeke Mekonnen Hassen said Ethiopia and China enjoy a time-honored and profound friendship. Bilateral cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the people and set a good example of South-South cooperation. The Ethiopian people will never forget China’s valuable assistance to Ethiopia in fighting against foreign aggression, striving for economic and social development as well as the current comprehensive peace and reconstruction. Ethiopia is ready to consolidate the traditional friendship between the two countries, continue to firmly support each other in safeguarding their respective core interests, plan for future cooperation, and continuously inject fresh impetus into the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. Ethiopia attaches great importance to improving its domestic security situation and will continue to do its utmost to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Ethiopia. Ethiopia appreciates China’s consistent advocacy and maintenance of peace, and stands ready to strengthen bilateral coordination on international and regional affairs and jointly safeguard the basic norms governing international relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on China-Africa cooperation. Qin Gang said that Africa has always been a diplomatic priority for China. Developing solidarity and cooperation with African countries is an important cornerstone of China’s foreign policy and a firm and long-term strategic choice of China. The two sides should continue to join hands to strengthen solidarity and friendship and seek common development. Demeke Mekonnen Hassen said China is a good friend of Africa. China’s achievements in modernization development are of great and inspirational significance and will encourage African countries to speed up their independent development. Africa-China cooperation has a bright future. Long live the Africa-China friendship!