Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed administration has effectively negotiated relations with African and other countries including China cooperation that brought about tangible results which have been translated into unprecedented financial grants.
“Chinese confidence in the administration has also substantially grown. Chinese government has provided essential supports to the ongoing reform giving grant to Ethiopia by which it is not known so far.” Premier disclosed so on a recent press conference.
Cooperation with China has brought successes in restructuring commercial loans to concessional ones, not to mention canceling of debt interests. The Chinese government’s decision to support 12 kilometers with a central square of the project ‘Beautifying Sheger Riverside’ is also among the diplomatic successes registered since Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed has taken office.
Likewise, last September, Prime Minister Dr Abiy told reporters that China had agreed to restructure the repayment period for some of its loans from 10 to 30 years. And in February 2019, he told parliament that his government has successfully renegotiated the repayment period for 60% of its external debt.
As well, Chairman of the National People’s Congress of China and speaker of the congress, Li Zhanshu, has reaffirmed that China is determined to strengthen its diplomatic relations. He also vowed to sustain Chinese multi-faceted development support for Ethiopia on his previous official state visit when he signed loan and humanitarian assistance agreement.
According to Meles Alem, the then spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the chairman confirmed that China gives priority to the bilateral ties with Ethiopia and needs Addis Ababa to continue its pivotal role in Sino-Africa partnership. “China is desirous for Ethiopia to further promote its leading role in shoring-up the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in general and its strategic partnership with China in particular,” Meles noted.
Similarly, government officials including the Premier, have expressed to Li Ethiopia’s clear development policy and demonstrative development support from countries like China that played a significant role in the country’s endeavor to achieve its development agendas. As a result, currently, the bilateral relation is multifaceted and keeping the economic growth of both countries promising; and many Chinese companies are engaged in several development projects like industrial park, road and building constructions, telecommunication and electricity works.
Similarly, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Tan Jian said: “As the ambassador here, together with my staff, we will do our level best to broaden and deepen our cooperation with Ethiopia;” on July 29th planting trees seedlings program in the embassy compound.
He reaffirmed that China is ready and willing to work closely with Ethiopia; adding: “I sincerely hope and believe that this great country will become more beautiful and China has always been a staunch supporter of Ethiopia’s efforts to improve its natural and urban environment, including the Sheger Riverbank Project, in a bid to help creating a more ecological-and-business-friendly environment for its sustainable development endeavors.
Equally, Ethiopia’s National Green Development Program collaborates with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which also highlights green development. Chinese President Xi Jinping underlined that China must pursue a model of sustainable development featuring increased production, higher living standards and healthy ecosystems, reiterating “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” Amb. Tan adds.
President Xi also launched a green development initiative, which will undertake 50 projects for green development and ecological and environmental protection in Africa, on 2018 FOCAC. China will continue to support Ethiopia and together promote green development, strengthen eco-environment protection, and jointly build a green belt and road; Amb. Tan reiterated.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amb. Mahlet Hailu on her part said: “Ethiopia and China have joined in various initiatives, and we have also aligned our policies on various issues. We will continue to do so in our sincere commitment to work together to deepen this strategic partnership;” on the tree planting event on which 6 olive trees and 110 Pine trees were planted in the Chinese embassy compound.
The Ethiopian Herald, August 23/2019
BY DIRRIBA TESHOME
