China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its all-weather strategic partnership with Ethiopia, pledging closer cooperation in development, governance and trade as part of broader China–Africa collaboration.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa, where the two sides reviewed the growing scope of bilateral relations and explored new areas of cooperation.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is ready to work with Ethiopia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. He stressed the need to align development strategies, deepen exchanges of governance experience and continuously elevate bilateral ties to new heights.
Wang is visiting Ethiopia as part of a broader African tour that includes Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho from January 7 to 12, reflecting China’s continued diplomatic engagement with the continent.
Prime Minister Abiy expressed Ethiopia’s appreciation for China’s long-standing support and assistance to the country’s economic and social development. He said Ethiopia values its partnership with China, which has played a key role in infrastructure development, industrialisation and capacity building over the years.
Abiy reaffirmed Ethiopia’s adherence to the one-China principle and indicated the country’s willingness to maintain close high-level exchanges with Beijing. He highlighted opportunities to deepen practical cooperation in infrastructure development, renewable and new energy, artificial intelligence and maritime affairs. Abiy also emphasised the importance of strengthening mutual support in regional and international affairs to ensure the sustained growth of bilateral relations.
China and Ethiopia have built one of the strongest partnerships in Africa, underpinned by major infrastructure projects such as railways, industrial parks, roads and telecommunications networks. Ethiopia has also been a key participant in the Belt and Road Initiative, which has supported the country’s ambition to become a regional manufacturing and logistics hub.
Wang called on both sides to fully implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). He urged Ethiopia to take advantage of China’s zero-tariff policy for all African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, saying this would help accelerate the upgrading of economic and trade cooperation.
He further called for enhanced collaboration in infrastructure, green industries, the digital economy and other emerging sectors, noting that these areas are critical to Africa’s sustainable development. Wang said high-quality Belt and Road cooperation remains a key driver of China-Africa relations.
The Chinese foreign minister expressed hope that Ethiopia would continue to provide a favourable business environment for Chinese enterprises, adding that China sees Ethiopia as a major African country with an important role to play in regional stability and international affairs.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, during which both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening political trust and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
The visit signals continued momentum in China-Ethiopia relations, as both countries seek to strengthen strategic coordination and deliver tangible development benefits to their people.
