Ethiopia sees China as a serious development partner: minister

Photo taken on Sept. 20, 2015 shows a modern light rail system built by China in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia sees China as a serious development partner, says Ethiopian State Minister of Finance and Economic Cooperation Ahmed Shide.

The Ethiopian minister made the remarks at a reception co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia and Chinese Mission to the African Union (AU) on Thursday to mark the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct. 1.

The heroes and heroines of China, in the 1930s and 40s, made the historic long march to bring peace, equality, and justice to their great nation, which culminated in the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, he said.

"Ever since the succeeding generations, through relentless struggle, have not only pulled hundreds of millions of Chinese out of abject poverty, and enabled them to meet their dire needs, but also successfully put their great nation on irreversible development path," said the minister.

Ethiopian State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Ahmed Shide speaks during the reception celebrating the 67th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China at the Chinese Embassy in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, Sept. 22, 2016. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

"Hence, this day is indeed, memorable for the Chinese people and the world at large," he noted.

Stating that Ethiopia and China enjoy a longstanding and wide-ranging strategic comprehensive partnership, Ahmed said China has played an exemplary role in supporting Ethiopia's struggle to extricate its people out of poverty and to transform its economy.

"Ethiopia sees China as a serious development partner and has keen desire to strengthen and deepen the existing excellent relationship between our two countries, most importantly this partnership based on mutual respect andwin-win benefit," said the minister.

He also stated that Ethiopia and China are supporting each other on regional and global matters of common interest and contribute immensely to world peace and equitable development.

With a photograph exhibition, the reception was attended by senior government officials of Ethiopia and the pan-Africa bloc as well as diplomats, heads and representatives of different organizations.

In his remarks during the event, Kuang Weilin, Head of Chinese Mission to AU, noted that the great strides China has made since its reform and opening up process have changed the destiny of the Chinese people, and also significantly contributed to global peace and prosperity.

Chinese Ambassador to the African Union Kuang Weilin speaks during the reception celebrating the 67th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China at the Chinese Embassy in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, Sept. 22, 2016. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

"Over the past 67 years, China has witnessed remarkable economic and social achievements. Gone are the days when China was poor, weak and divided," said the envoy.

Despite challenges at home and abroad, he said China remains committed to deepening reforms and opening up to ensure sound and sustainable economic growth.

He also reiterated that China is focusing on structural reforms, innovation, new technology, and new industries, among others, which has provided new driving forces for the country's sustainable development.

With economic growth of 6.7 percent during the first half of this year, which is not small accomplishment in light of the sheer size of the country's gross domestic product, China plays its role as a key engine of the world economy.

Saying China's economic growth contributed nearly 30 percent to the global economic growth last year, Kuang said the fundamentals of China's economy remain sound and the general trend is promising.

"We are confident that China can maintain medium-to-high growth rate in the years to come, which will undoubtedly boost recovery of the world economy," noted Kuang. Read more here