ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian and Chinese relation is getting momentum in all sectors including education, says Ethiopian State Minister of Science and Higher Education (MoSHE).
The State Minister Dr. Samuel Kifle made the remarks on the ceremony of Chinese annual Scholarship awards for Ethiopian students at the Chinese Embassy yesterday. During the ceremony 31 Ethiopia students drawn from various institutions have received scholarship certificate from Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Tan Jian. Accordingly the students would attend master’s and doctorate degree programs in various universities in China.
China started receiving African students since 1956 and as of 2015 the government of China is awarding more than 10,000 African students each year and over 400 Ethiopian students awarded an opportunity each year.
The 31 students who received the certificate yesterday are among the selected students. Ambassador Tan said on the occasion that, the government of China is increasing the opportunity for African countries and specifically for Ethiopians. During the occasion Ambassador Tan quoted Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s Speech “Education is the only solution for each problem”
“I hope the student will contribute their level best to strengthen the relation of the two countries further and to be the bridge of the two peoples and they will be our future diplomat to china and other” the Ambassador said. Expressing gratitude to the government of China Dr. Samuel noted that the relationship between China and Ethiopia has escalated to the highest level in all sectors and getting momentum.
Chinas presence in Africa in general and in Ethiopia specifically is growing from time to time. The government of China is supporting the ongoing efforts of the government of Ethiopia especially in capacity building.
Currently nearly 600 students are attending masters and doctoral degree programs in China. In addition around 200 young talented Ethiopians are attending higher studies there. This will further strengthen the relation of the two countries, he stated.
Abiyot Abdela from Ambo University is among the awarded winners for the year. She will attend doctorate degree program in China. “I hope I will contribute my part for my country. We will contribute our level best to the development of the country. We hope that we will acquire practical knowledge from China” she explained.
The Ethiopian Herald, August 14/2019
BY HAILE DEMEKE
