Wen Jiabao visits Ethiopia

cctv.com 12-16-2003 09:13

China attaches great importance to the development of Sino-Ethiopian relations, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has said during his visit to Ethiopia. Wen Jiabao, and more than 10 African leaders, gathered in Ethiopia's capital of Addis Ababa to attend the Second Ministerial Conference of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum.

While meeting Ethiopian President Girma Wolde Giorgis on Monday, Wen Jiabao said China respects the development road chosen by the Ethiopian people, and is willing to work with the Ethiopian side to improve friendship between the peoples and expand mutual-beneficial cooperation.

Girma said the friendly relationship between China and Ethiopia has developed smoothly, with many results achieved in different areas of cooperation. He invited more Chinese companies to take part in the economic construction of Ethiopia.

During a separate meeting with his Ethiopian counterpart Meles Zenawi, the Chinese Premier put forward three proposals to further enhance bilateral cooperation.

The three proposals are: to maintain high-level exchanges to increase mutual trust and enhance cooperation, to broaden cooperation fields by improving cooperative efficiency and strengthening mutual-beneficial cooperation, and to intensify consultation and cooperation to safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries.

Wen Jiabao thanked the Ethiopian government for adhering to the One-China policy, as well as its support to China in areas including human rights.

Speaking on the same occasion, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi highly commended the important achievements made in such areas as politics, economy, and trade in the Ethiopia-China cooperation.

He underlined that he is confident about the bright future of comprehensive and friendly cooperation between the nations.

On Sunday, the Chinese premier attended an exhibition on China-Africa Friendship and Cooperation aimed at promoting exchanges and cooperation in various areas between China and Africa.

China has for a long time provided African countries with assistance to the best of its capacity without any political conditions.

Editor:Han  Source:CCTV.com