Beijing, April 23rd—Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with a cadre study group head by Benalf Andualem, Head of Office of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).

Highly appreciating that the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s and several political party leaders’ attendance at the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, Song said that China and Ethiopia are good friends and good partners. As both the CPC and the EPRDF are ruling parties, relations between the two Parties play an important political guiding role in relations between the two countries. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the partnership between the CPC and the EPRDF, and the Chinese side is willing to further enhance strategic communication and experience exchanges in state governance and administration with Ethiopia, so as to improve ruling capacity and benefit the people.

Song noted that we are glad to see that Ethiopia has adhered to its own path and made remarkable economic and social development achievements under the leadership of the EPRDF. China supports the EPRDF in following a development path suitable to its national conditions, and is willing to continue providing assistance within its capacity for the Ethiopia to achieve greater national development.

Benalf expressed that the Ethiopian side deeply admires China’s achievements from the 40 years of reform and opening up, and firmly supports as well as actively participates in the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping. Ethiopia thanks the Chinese side for the support and assistance over the years, and stands ready to further strengthen friendly cooperation and cadre exchanges between the EPRDF and the CPC, so as to promote relations between the two countries for further development.

Guo Yezhou, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present.

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