H.E. Mr. Yang Jiechi
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Beijing
On the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the People's Republic of China, I want to express my sincere and warm felicitations. In the last four decades, bilateral relations have witnessed an ever deepening trend in political, economic and social aspects. With sincerity, mutual respect and trust both sides had carried out close contact and coordination in major international and regional issues.
The partnership between Ethiopia and China is not limited to the bilateral area but has been growing in the multilateral sphere, particularly in the framework of the FOCAC. Africa has benefited from the development assistance of China extended over the years within its ability and free from conditionality. As it is directed to our priorities of development it will also continue to be an important source of cooperation. Ethiopia has always played an important role to ensure the success of the Forum wherever it held, with the conviction that it is a platform which serves the people of Africa and China in their aspirations for a better life.
Ethiopia takes this 40th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between our two friendly countries as an opportunity to highly value its relations with the People's Republic of China as a strategic partner for its development process. It also reaffirms once again Ethiopia's commitment to one-China principle. Finally, we wish to assure you that the Ethiopian government is committed to do all its best to enhance political mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, enrich cooperation content, and jointly face up to global challenges.
Hailemariam Desalegn
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia