Foreign Ministers of Ethiopia, China Discuss COVID-19 Response

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s foreign minister Gedu Andargachew, and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, has held a phone conversation today on ways to further cooperate on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the discussion, Foreign Minister Gedu expressed “his profound appreciation for the efforts being made by the Chinese Government and private companies to provide medical supplies and protective gears to African countries including Ethiopia”.

various Chinese businesses including billionaire Jack Ma have supported African countries’ efforts to contain the COVID-19, a deadly disease caused by coronavirus.

The continent now seeking more support to save their economies affected by virus fallout.

“Recalling the long-standing relations between the two countries, Gedu also expressed that he has an unshakable belief that China would consider Ethiopia’s request for debt relief,” the Ministry of Foreign affairs said in a statement after the meeting.

Chinese Foreign minister Yi, on his part, expressed his country’s commitment to supporting Africa, including Ethiopia, in mitigating the economic impact of the COVID-19 scourge.

Yi also reiterated Beijing’s appreciation and gratitude to Ethiopia for standing shoulder to shoulder with China in this difficult moment.

New confirmed cases reported in China since April have been low compared with the thousands every day in February, thanks to a nationwide regime of screening, testing and quarantine.

Foreign minister Gedu has appreciated the Chinese people and Government on their successful battle against COVID-19.