Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
Published : January 15,2025
A local child (2nd R) learns Chinese paper cutting at a celebration of the 55th anniversary of the
diplomatic relations between China and Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Jan. 12, 2025.
The grand event, hosted by the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Ethiopia,
coincided with the celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival.(Xinhua/Liu
Fangqiang)
China and Ethiopia celebrated the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations
on Sunday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
The grand event, hosted by the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Chamber of
Commerce in Ethiopia, coincided with the celebration of the upcoming Chinese
New Year, or Spring Festival. The event featured a variety of activities, including a
charity bazaar, Chinese cultural performances, traditional Chinese foods, and free
medical services.
The Spring Festival will fall on Jan. 29 this year, kicking off the Year of the Snake,
according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
Speaking at the event, which drew a large crowd of Chinese expatriates and local
visitors, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai reflected on the 55 years of
bilateral cooperation between China and Ethiopia.
“Looking ahead, we will take the 55th anniversary as a new starting point,
implement the outcome of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing
Summit and the consensus reached by our national leaders, and work together
with our Ethiopian friends to move towards modernization,” Chen said.
He said Chinese Spring Festival is an important platform for sharing Chinese
culture with the world and noted the festival was recently inscribed on UNESCO’s
Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Recalling that China and Ethiopia had elevated their bilateral ties to an all-
weather strategic partnership in October last year, Ethiopia’s State Minister of
Foreign Affairs Mesganu Arga said highlighted the deep-rooted friendship
between China and Ethiopia, which he described as grounded in shared values
and historical parallels.
“This enduring bond has enabled us to work together effectively, not only in
bilateral engagements but also in addressing pressing global challenges. Our
partnership stands as a testament to what can be achieved when nations share a
vision of mutual respect and collective progress,” Arga said.
The state minister also pointed out that China remains Ethiopia’s largest trading
partner and a leading source of foreign direct investment. “Transformational
projects like the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, the Riverside Green Development
Project, and other road and infrastructure developments have improved
Ethiopia’s infrastructure, enhancing regional connectivity and unlocking new
trade opportunities,” he added.
The charity bazaar saw participation from 61 Chinese and local companies, with
proceeds going to the Deborah Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting
people with intellectual disabilities in Ethiopia. This demonstrated the strong
sense of social responsibility among Chinese companies and communities in
Ethiopia.
According to the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the relationship between
China and Ethiopia has evolved since the landmark visit of Emperor Haile Selassie
to Beijing in 1971. Over the past five decades, their ties have been strengthened
through the principles of equality, non-interference, and mutual benefit.
Ethiopians pose for a photo during a celebration of the 55th anniversary of the diplomatic
relations between China and Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Jan. 12, 2025. The
grand event, hosted by the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in
Ethiopia, coincided with the celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring
Festival.(Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang)
Xinhua
