FM Gedion emphasizes benefits of FOCAC mechanism

Addis Ababa, June 11, 2025 (FMC) — A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timotheos (PhD) is participating in the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), currently underway in Changsha, China.

In his address at the meeting, Minister Gedion underscored the tangible dividends of the FOCAC mechanism, the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing told Fana Media Corporation.

“FOCAC is an important platform of cooperation for the global south & Ethiopia attaches great importance to its longstanding partnership with China,” he noted.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the China–Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South, which reaffirms the commitments made during the 2024 Beijing FOCAC Summit.

The declaration praised FOCAC as a model of Global South cooperation and called for stronger multilateralism, enhanced development assistance to Africa, and greater trade facilitation — including China’s pledge to expand zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties.

The declaration also emphasized cooperation in key areas such as green development, digital economy, science and technology, and the rule of law, aligning with Africa’s Agenda 2063.

On the sidelines of the FOCAC ministerial meeting, FM Gedion also held bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Mr. Gedion conveyed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s greetings to President Xi Jinping and noted the strengthened momentum in the Ethiopia–China All-Weather Strategic Partnership.

He also highlighted the implementation of the Ten Partnership Actions proposed by President Xi during the 2024 Beijing Summit and welcomed the inauguration of the China–Africa–UNIDO Tripartite Center of Excellence in Addis Ababa, calling it a step forward in Africa’s industrial modernization.

Wang Yi, for his part, said tangible progress has been made in implementing FOCAC outcomes and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s role as a trusted partner in the Global South and BRICS.

Both foreign ministers agreed to accelerate FOCAC implementation and enhance coordination in multilateral platforms to amplify Africa’s voice and protect shared interests.