Chinese premier Li Qiang met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday and pledged to step up trade and investment with Ethiopia. Highlighting the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway as a flagship of high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road framework, Li underscored China’s commitment to its sustainable development.
Since establishing diplomatic relations 55 years ago, the two sides have built a model partnership, Li noted. He pointed to recent support measures announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the FOCAC ministerial meeting—including zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines in 53 African countries—and said China will seize these opportunities to fully deliver on the outcomes of the Beijing summit.
Looking ahead, Li called for deepening all-around cooperation and building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future. He highlighted plans to support Ethiopia’s independent development path, accelerate collaboration in infrastructure, new energy vehicles, green industries, e-commerce and artificial intelligence, and intensify exchanges in tourism, youth and education.
As key Global South partners, China and Ethiopia will also strengthen coordination in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and BRICS. Li added that safeguarding economic globalization and free trade can inject more stability and positive energy into the world, setting the stage for productive talks at the 17th BRICS Summit.
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China ready to boost trade, investment with Ethiopia — Premier Li
cgtn.com
