China ready to support economic construction

China has expressed its strong support for Eritrea's economic construction at a time when relations with Asmara's most significant donor, the European Union, have cooled.

Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, who is visiting Asmara, noted that China had established relations with Eritrea on the day of its foundation, 24 May 1993, and in the ensuing eight years there had been "fruitful cooperation" between the two countries. According to the Chinese news agency Xinhua, he stressed the importance of deepening cooperation with Eritrea, noting that his country was economically strong and would assist developing African countries politically and economically. Eritrean President Isayas Afewerki urged Chinese businessmen to invest in Eritrea. He also briefed Tang on developments in the peace process with Ethiopia, Eritrean radio said.

According to the radio, the Chinese government is providing assistance worth US $2.4 million for economic and technical projects in Eritrea this year. Eritrea's deputy ambassador in Nairobi, Temedhin Temariam, underlined the importance of Chinese economic support, particularly in the field of medicine. With Chinese help, Eritrea is building its main hospital in Asmara and there are several Chinese construction companies operating in the country. "China's assistance to Eritrea is very welcome," Temedhin told IRIN on Thursday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has underlined the need for medium to long-term programmes in Eritrea, particularly those aimed at completing the return of displaced people following the two-year border war with Ethiopia, and the restoration of socio-economic conditions in the country. Relations with the European Union and particularly Italy, Eritrea's biggest donor, cooled after the Italian ambassador was expelled last year and other European countries temporarily recalled their envoys for consultations.