Ethiopia is committed to the success of the "the Belt and Road" Belt | China | Ethiopia

Studying in China, speaking fluent Chinese and familiar with Chinese culture, Muratu Tshome has served as the President of Ethiopia, Minister of State for Economic Development and Cooperation, and Ambassador to China. A few days ago, the large-scale transnational financial media reporting activity of "the Belt and Road" of People's Daily Online entered Ethiopia and interviewed Mulatu exclusively.

Muratu Teshome accepted an exclusive interview with People's Daily Online. Photo by Chen Xingxing, a journalist from People's Daily Online

"Egypt China cooperation is not a flash in the pan"

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ethiopia in 1970, the two countries have developed well and are comprehensive strategic partners of cooperation, which can be regarded as a model of China Africa exchanges.

Muratu recalled that in the development of bilateral relations, cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, especially Chinese enterprises going to Ethiopia for business or participating in Ethiopia's infrastructure construction, was the most beneficial for both countries. Muratu said, "These areas are the foundation of our cooperation today, and I will continue to pay attention to them."

In Murato's view, China's investment in Ethiopia, especially in manufacturing, will be a key focus of cooperation between Ethiopia and China. In many cities in Ethiopia, both sides have joined hands to cooperate in industrial parks. Ethiopia currently encourages mining development, and Chinese enterprises can also play an important role in it.

According to data from the 2023 Ethiopian Chinese Enterprise Social Responsibility Forum in July this year, as Ethiopia's largest trading partner, largest investment source country, and largest engineering contractor, China has directly invested in 1835 projects in Ethiopia, with a cumulative investment of about 4.8 billion US dollars, creating 560000 employment opportunities and making positive efforts for Ethiopia's economic and social development.

Muratu believes that strong economic interaction will become the foundation of political, diplomatic, cultural, and other relations between the two countries. He said, "This is not a flash in the pan, but a long-term cooperation that can benefit both Ethiopia and China."

While attracting more Chinese investment, Ethiopia is also seeking to gain more market share in the Chinese market. Data shows that in 2021, China imported goods from Ethiopia worth 366 million US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 8%.

How to view the future of cooperation between Ethiopia and China? Muratu replied, "I think it will go further."

Muratu Teshome was interviewed by People's Daily reporter Tang Weihong. Photo by Chen Xingxing, a journalist from People's Daily Online

"Multilateralism must be encouraged"

Ethiopia has actively participated in the "the Belt and Road" initiative since it was put forward in 2013. In 2018, China and Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding on jointly building the "the Belt and Road".

Mulatu believes that the the Belt and Road Initiative attaches great importance to the development of infrastructure, and Ethiopia is the beneficiary. He evaluated that with these infrastructure, goods and services between Ethiopia and China, as well as between Africa and China, can flow, "providing very powerful assistance for economic cooperation between Ethiopia and China, as well as between Ethiopia and other African countries."

Mulatu said that the role of the "the Belt and Road" initiative is not limited to the cooperation between Ethiopia and China. Africa can also benefit from cooperation with Asia, Europe and the Middle East. "This is a very important and useful initiative, and Ethiopia is committed to the success of this initiative."

As the headquarters of the African Union, Ethiopia has made active efforts to promote cooperation and joint development among African Union countries. Muratu said that China has always stood with the African people, supporting and helping them develop their economy. He believes that the historical relationship between Africa and China is very good, and Africa looks forward to continuing cooperation with China.

The world today is facing unprecedented changes, and the reform and improvement of the global governance system is the trend. In this context, China has proposed three major initiatives for global development, security, and civilization, which have been actively responded to by Ethiopia.

Muratu believes that developing countries have no voice in establishing global governance rules and norms, and global governance rules are formulated and adopted by developed Western countries. "We need to not only re-examine economic share, but also re-examine political attitudes and the way the international community handles affairs."

He highly praised the BRICS cooperation mechanism, stating that more and more countries and regions hope to join the cooperation mechanism. In his view, "In the reform of global standards, countries need to protect their own national interests."

He called on developing countries to unite in areas such as economic development, regional peace and security, and seek common paths to achieve their respective national interests. "Multilateralism must be encouraged," said Mulatu.

Muratu Teschome and People's Daily reporter take a group photo.

"China's policy is people-oriented"

For Murato, China is his "second hometown". In 1976, he came to China as a public derivative, first studying Chinese at Beijing Language Institute, and later enrolled in the Philosophy Department of Peking University, obtaining a bachelor's degree. Afterwards, he continued to study international politics at Peking University and obtained master's and doctoral degrees.

"I really like both of these schools, and Beijing Language and Culture College has helped me open the door to Chinese language. Peking University is a university that truly shaped me, changing my worldview and making me who I am today. I enjoy my student life in China," said Muratu, encouraging students to participate in such cultural and educational exchanges. "Ethiopians can benefit from Chinese universities."

Muratu has witnessed China's development. From studying in China to returning to China as an ambassador, "I saw a different Beijing, a different China."

He attributed the rapid development of the Chinese economy to the effective policies of the Chinese government, especially the adherence to a people-oriented approach. He believes that these policies not only focus on economic development, but also aim to improve the living standards of the Chinese people. "I think this is the most successful part of China's reform and opening up," he commented.