China and Ethiopia marked the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in a vibrant celebration held in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Ethiopia, coincided with the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival.
The grand celebration featured a variety of activities, including a charity bazaar, traditional Chinese cultural performances, authentic Chinese cuisine, and complimentary medical services. The Spring Festival, which falls on January 29 this year, heralds the beginning of the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chen Hai, addressed a large audience of expatriates and local visitors, reflecting on the fruitful 55 years of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
“Looking ahead, we will take the 55th anniversary as a new starting point, implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit, and work together with our Ethiopian friends to move towards modernization,” Ambassador Chen said. He emphasized the significance of the Spring Festival as a platform for sharing Chinese culture globally and noted its recent inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mesganu Arga, echoed the ambassador’s sentiments, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries, which he attributed to shared values and historical parallels.
“This enduring bond has enabled us to work together effectively, not only in bilateral engagements but also in addressing pressing global challenges. Our partnership stands as a testament to what can be achieved when nations share a vision of mutual respect and collective progress,” Arga stated.
The state minister also noted that China is Ethiopia’s largest trading partner and a key source of foreign direct investment. He pointed to transformational projects such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and the Riverside Green Development Project as evidence of the fruitful collaboration enhancing Ethiopia’s infrastructure and regional connectivity.
The charity bazaar featured participation from 61 Chinese and local companies, with proceeds benefiting the Deborah Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities in Ethiopia. This initiative showcased the strong sense of social responsibility among the Chinese community and businesses in Ethiopia.
According to the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the relationship between China and Ethiopia has evolved significantly since Emperor Haile Selassie’s historic visit to Beijing in 1971. Over the past five decades, their partnership has been strengthened by principles of equality, non-interference, and mutual benefit, paving the way for continued collaboration and growth.
