PM Congratulates Chinese Leader Xi on re-election

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday congratulated Xi Jinping on his re-election as Chinese president for the third time.

The PM sent his congratulatory messages a day after the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CPC) reelected Xi as its General-secretary.

“I would like to congratulate you, the entire leadership of the CPC, and the Chinese people on your reelection as General Secretary of the CPC,” PM Abiy wrote in his letter to Xi.

Xi, 69, is the first Chinese leader to hold the fort for the third time since the party was founded 100 years ago.

The PM said the reelection “is conclusive proof of your effective leadership, as evidenced by multifaceted achievements from which the Chinese people have benefited directly.”

“I am confident that the world is now convinced of the importance of your party’s homegrown development model, as well as your committed and persistent leadership in effectively implementing the model,” he said.

The PM called Xi’s success in economic development that close the wealth gap among Chinese people “a valuable lesson for developing countries like Ethiopia.”

Abiy further stated that China has become a dependable strategic partner for Ethiopia under Xi’s leadership.

“We have been truly cooperating and effectively working together on a number of issues for the benefit of our people,” said Abiy, who is also the president of Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party (PP).

“Your re-election as General Secretary of the CPC will strengthen the CPC’s already strong relationship and cooperation with the Prosperity Party,” Abiy said.

PM Abiy affirmed that the PP and its leadership will continue to collaborate with CPC and its General-secretary Xi.

Abiy also extended his best wishes to Xi for “an effective and successful leadership term.”