Addis Ababa: The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has played pivotal role in further elevating the bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and China, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy, in Addis Ababa Shen Qinmin remarked.
Leaders from across Africa including Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are in Beijing to attend the FOCAC 2024 summit that begins today.
The theme of the summit is ‘Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.’
In an exclusive interview with ENA, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy, in Addis Ababa Shen Qinmin said China invited nearly all the heads of state and government from Africa to come to Beijing for this great conference, which is a symbol of the solid and deep relationship between China and Africa.
‘I think this summit, especially the visit of Ethiopia’s leader to China, and the talks with top Chinese leadership will shape the future direction for our bilateral relationship.
He recall
ed the leaders of the two countries elevated the bilateral relationship to a new height, which is called ‘All-Weather Strategic Partnership.’
The summit will feature four high-level forums addressing state governance, industrialization and agricultural modernization, high quality Belt and Road cooperation, as well as peace and security.
Therefore, he added that this summit will offer a valuable opportunity for leaders from China, Ethiopia, and other African countries to exchange experiences and discuss policies in these key areas.
Ethiopia is a big country and strong in Africa not only that, Ethiopia is also a gateway for Africa, he stated.
‘Ethiopian Airlines has been playing a very pivotal role in the African continent; Ethiopia as a country also plays a gateway role, because here, not only China, I think, but other Asian states can enter into African market,’ he added.
Ethiopia is an important country that is strategically located on the eastern part of African continent, he said, adding ‘China and Et
hiopia have a deeper relationship, where China will have more opportunities to interact with the rest of Africa from here.’
Moreover, he elaborated that China aims to promote peace and security through development and governance sharing, rather than traditional methods.
‘China is promoting a concept of peace and security through development and governance sharing. That’s our unique role for China. We are not talking about peace and security in a traditional way. We are talking about, how we can use development as a tool and a foundation to improve peace and security.’
He reaffirmed that China is committed to supporting economic integration and development across Africa, aligning with the African Union’s push for a continental free trade zone, which complements China’s Belt and Road initiatives.
When the economies of more people are connected with each other, more integration and interaction will be created not only between the government agencies, but also between different people which will contribute to
peace and security, he added.
In that way, ‘I think China-Africa’s cooperation is contributive and conducive to the African continent’s integration at their mutual and beneficial interaction with each other. I believe the FOCAC summit has a greater role to play for the future integration of African continent.’
Since its inception in 2000, FOCAC has provided a platform for cross-continental solidarity and economic cooperation, solidifying the bonds between China and African nations, it was dictated.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency