Ethiopia, China Pledge to Deepen All-Weather Strategic Partnership as They Mark 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Addis Ababa, November 24, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and China have pledged to further strengthen their all-weather strategic partnership while celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, reaffirming their enduring friendship, mutual support, and commitment to deepening multifaceted cooperation.
In letters exchanged on the occasion, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos extended heartfelt congratulations to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on behalf of the Ethiopian government and people.
Minister Gedion highlighted the remarkable journey of bilateral relations since November 24, 1970, describing the partnership as “grounded in mutual respect, sovereign equality, and shared developmental aspirations.”
He expressed appreciation for China’s role as a steadfast partner in Ethiopia’s development, citing its transformative support for infrastructure projects and national industrialization efforts.
Minister Gedion also noted the elevation of Ethiopia-China relations to an All-Weather Strategic Partnership in October 2023 as a historic milestone, reflecting their shared commitment to a resilient and forward-looking partnership capable of navigating evolving global challenges.
He underscored Ethiopia’s active engagement with China in multilateral platforms, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s dedication to promoting peace, stability, and mutually beneficial South-South cooperation.
Responding in kind, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the bilateral ties as a “deep-rooted and enduring friendship that has stood the test of time.”
He recalled that over 55 years, Ethiopia and China have consistently treated each other with sincerity and supported each other in times of need, setting an example of solidarity and cooperation among developing countries.
The Chinese FM praised the momentum of recent bilateral relations under the strategic guidance of the two nations’ leaders, highlighting deepening political trust and practical cooperation that deliver tangible benefits for both peoples.
Minister Wang further expressed his readiness to strengthen collaboration between the two foreign ministries, implement the outcomes of the recent FOCAC Beijing Summit, and advance the China-Ethiopia All-Weather Strategic Partnership.
The Chinese Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of their cooperation in contributing to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
Both letters highlighted not only the achievements of the past five and a half decades but also a shared determination to expand practical cooperation, address common challenges, and advance the prosperity and well-being of their peoples.
The anniversary of Ethiopia-China diplomatic relations stands as a testament to enduring friendship, mutual respect, and a commitment to a partnership that continues to grow in strategic depth and practical impact.