We Are Expanding Cooperation with China into Digital Economy, AI and Green Energy – PM Abiy

Addis Ababa, January 8, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, at the National Palace in Addis Ababa on Thursday, where they held talks reaffirming the enduring partnership between Ethiopia and China.

It is worth noting that PM Abiy Ahmed received the Chinese Foreign Minister at the National Palace earlier today before their bilateral discussions.

In a message shared on his social media platforms after the discussions, the Prime Minister stated that Ethiopia and China have maintained a strong relationship for decades, further strengthened by the recent elevation of bilateral ties to an “all-weather strategic cooperation partnership.”

He said their discussions focused on advancing development cooperation and reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the peoples and governments of the two nations.

Prime Minister Abiy noted that the engagement covered strengthening cooperation in key sectors, including economy, trade, infrastructure, energy, and transportation. He added that both sides also discussed tapping new areas of collaboration such as e-commerce, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and green energy.

“We discussed a range of development cooperation issues and reiterated our shared commitment to advancing development. We also discussed deepening cooperation in the economy, trade, infrastructure, energy, and transportation, as well as tapping the potential for collaboration in emerging areas such as e-commerce, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and green energy,” the Prime Minister said.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Ethiopia as part of his official African tour, which includes visits to Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho from January 7 to 12, 2026. During his visit, he is also expected to attend engagements at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, including activities marking the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and commemorations linked to 70 years of China–Africa diplomatic relations.

Prior to Wang Yi’s arrival here in Addis Ababa, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stated that Wang Yi’s visit aims to further deepen political mutual trust, strengthen development cooperation, and advance the implementation of commitments under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).