Ethiopia is a pioneer of China-Africa cooperation as the Ethio-Djibouti Railway has set a successful model of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Ambassador Zhiyuan said.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the “Belt and Road Initiative” at Furi-Lebu Railway Station in Addis Ababa today, China’s Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan said that the Ethio-Djibouti railway has set a successful model as China and Ethiopia cooperation has been strengthening.
During the past five years, the two countries have collaborated closely and made remarkable achievements, he added.
“In recent years, China remains number one source of foreign direct investment of Ethiopia and Ethiopia is a pioneer of China-Africa Cooperation.”
According to him, all these achievements are the pillars for China-Ethiopia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and vivid demonstration of the profound friendship.”
Transport and Logistics Minister, Alemu Sime said the initiative has expanded and broadened the scope of cooperation over the past 10 years and its essence enriched and deepened in practice.
It has not only brought tangible cooperation dividends to the participating parties but also contributed to the world’s wisdom and strength to address challenges, create opportunities and strengthen confidence, he added.
The minister stated that Ethiopia and China have been cooperating closely in the field of transportation, especially in the construction of transportation infrastructure; and the two countries have complemented each others advantages, showing great potential of development.
In particular, Alemu said that the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, a landmark railway line connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti as a flagship project under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, an important early harvest of China-Africa cooperation.
For the minister, the project has played an important role in promoting the economic and social development of Ethiopia and improving people’s living standards.
Ethio-Djibouti Railway CEO, Abdi Zenebe said the Ethio-Djibouti railway is the best example of the initiative’s success.
The Belt and Road project has become an open and inclusive mutually beneficial and win-win international cooperation platform.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency