China Pledges Strong Partnership with Ethiopia to Boost Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and Enhance Bilateral Cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed his readiness to collaborate closely with Ethiopia to advance the sustainable development of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, a flagship initiative under the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation framework. Premier Li also emphasized the goal of expanding trade and investment ties between the two nations during a meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Highlighting the longstanding diplomatic relationship between China and Ethiopia, which spans over 55 years, Li praised the mutual trust and unwavering support maintained despite shifting global dynamics. He noted that their partnership has been a leading example in China-Africa relations.

Premier Li referenced a congratulatory letter from President Xi Jinping sent to the Coordinators’ Ministerial Meeting on the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in June. The letter announced key new initiatives, including the implementation of zero-tariff policies on 100% of tariff lines for 53 African countries maintaining diplomatic ties with China.

He stressed that China intends to leverage these initiatives to fully implement the commitments made during the recent Beijing Summit of FOCAC.

Premier Li called for deepening comprehensive bilateral cooperation and turning China-Ethiopia relations into a benchmark model for building a resilient, all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

China will continue to support Ethiopia’s independent path to development tailored to its national context. Cooperation will be intensified in sectors such as infrastructure, new energy vehicles, green industries, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence, alongside increased cultural and youth exchanges in tourism, education, and more.

Recognizing both China and Ethiopia as key players within the Global South, Li affirmed a commitment to joint efforts in multilateral platforms like the United Nations and BRICS. He underscored the importance of upholding true multilateralism, protecting economic globalization and free trade, and injecting greater stability and positive momentum into global affairs.

Premier Li arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit.