China, Ethiopia to strengthen cooperation

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has arrived in Beijing and kicked off his five-day official visit to China. Premier Li Keqiang met with him on Thursday, and both sides have vowed to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Hailemariam Desalegn visits China for the first time since he took office last year as Prime Minister.

Premier Li Keqiang warmly welcomed the leader at the Great hall of the people.

As the newly elected Chairman of the African Union, Hailemariam Desalegn briefed Premier Li on the outcome of the recent Summit of the Assembly, held at the AU Headquaters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Premier Li says the two countries have always enjoyed a flourishing relationship based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and understanding.

They have agreed to raise bilateral cooperation to a new level.

Ethiopia stands out as one of the ten fastest growing economies in the world and the fastest growing non oil economy in Africa, with its GDP growing at an average of 11 percent for the last ten consecutive years.

This year marks the 43rd Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Ethiopia.

Both sides have signed a series of agreements on economic, cultural and political cooperation during the past twenty years.

Cooperation on infrastructure, trade, and technology innovation has shown a significant increase in the past decade.

As the first visit to china after taking office last year, Ethiopian Prime Minister will exchange views with the Chinese leaders on issues of common concern. As the newly elected Chairman of the AU, He will deliver a speech at Beijing Foreign Studies University on China-Africa New Strategic partnership and friendship for development and transformation.