Ethiopian Deputy PM Embarks on Four-day Official Visit to China

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen has embarked on a four-day official visit to China today.

Senior Chinese Government officials warmly welcomed the Ethiopian Delegation at Beijing International Airport.

“Demeke will consult with the Chinese authorities on how to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership between the two countries,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The Ethiopian deputy Prime Minister is making the visit at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang.

The two ministers last met during Qin’s visit to Addis Ababa as part of his first African tour as top Chinese diplomat in January.

Addressing a joint press briefing after the meeting, Qin said two sides agreed to expand pragmatic cooperation, ensuring the economic and social benefits of flagship cooperation projects such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway.

Beijing encourages more Chinese enterprises to actively participate in the reconstruction of Ethiopia, he added.

China remains Ethiopia’s largest source of foreign direct investment and trading partner for many years.