FM Wang Yi: China welcomes Ethiopia's greater role on international stage

China welcomes Ethiopia playing a greater role on the international and regional stage and contributing more to the development and revitalization of the African continent, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro.

Congratulating Ethiopia on becoming a full member of BRICS, Wang said Ethiopia is a major African country and an important representative of emerging economies.

China is willing to implement the outcomes of the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing and advance the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries to achieve more new results, bringing greater benefits to both peoples, Wang said.

Noting that the 21st century is one of development and revitalization for developing countries, the Chinese foreign minister said the African continent is poised for modernization, with a bright future ahead.

China's cooperation with Africa is free of any selfish motives, does not engage in major-power competition, and does not participate in geopolitical rivalry, Wang said, adding that China is Africa's most reliable development partner.

China is willing to share the opportunities of modernization with its African brothers and sisters, help African nations enhance their capacity for independent development, and jointly forge a brighter future for the Global South through unity and self-strengthening, Wang said.

Echoing Wang, Timothewos said China's modernization achievements have attracted global attention, serving as a model for the progress of all humanity and the collective march toward modernization by the Global South.

During the meeting, Timothewos expressed gratitude for China's long-standing valuable assistance in Ethiopia's economic development and livelihood improvement and its strong support for Africa's peace and development.

Ethiopia looks forward to strengthening synergy with China under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and ensuring that the all-weather strategic partnership between both sides brings more tangible benefits to the Ethiopian people, said the Ethiopian foreign minister.

Ethiopia is deeply concerned about the rise of unilateral protectionism and stands ready to work closely with BRICS partners to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, Timothewos said.