Hail outgoing ambassador for “remarkable service”
ADDIS ABABA– China has played an immense role in supporting Ethiopia’s accession to the BRICS economic bloc in a clear manifestation for the two countries’ much-cherished ties, high-ranking officials said.
During the farewell ceremony that was made to Chinese departing Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan, Oromia State Administrator Shimelis Abdisa and Ethiopian Federal Police Commissioner DemmelashGebremichael mentioned China’s notable contribution to Ethiopia’s BRICS membership.
They also thanked the outgoing Ambassador for the “remarkable service” he has had in Ethiopia and for the tremendous contributions made to lift Ethio-China bilateral relationship to new heights.
The outgoing China Ambassador, Zhao Zhiyuan expressed his hope that the strong Ethio-China ties would further be strengthened and bilateral cooperation deepened.
He also extended appreciation to the people and Government of Ethiopia to make his stay in the country fruitful and successful. “Ethio-China relationship not only lasts for 50 years but it is a strategic one.”
Oromia State Administrator Shimelis Abdisa and Commissioner DemelashGeberemichael as well as other high-ranking government officials paid farewell to the outgoing Chinese Ambassador at the Ethiopian Airport on Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, the ambassador took leave of Foreign Minister TayeAtse-Sellase last week.
FM Taye commended Ambassador Zhiyuan’s contribution in strengthening the two countries’ relationship particularly; he mentioned the elevation of the relations to All Weather Strategic Partnership. “Such elevation shows the special, strong and exemplary relationship the two countries have built.”
China’s support for Ethiopia’s membership in the BRICS family is also another landmark in the longstanding relations between the two countries, which decorates the Ambassador’s tenure in Ethiopia, according to the Minister.
During the Ambassador’s tenure in Ethiopia, various development projects were completed with the support of the Chinese Government.
Taye, while wishing success in his future endeavor to Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan, reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to further consolidate its longstanding relations with China within the All Weather Strategic Partnership framework.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 7 MAY 2024
