China pledges technical assistance

The Chinese government has pledged US $20 million to Ethiopia to help develop its technical abilities and build closer ties between the two countries. At the end of a three-day visit to Ethiopia, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said the two countries had also agreed to expand their trade and investment. In a keynote speech he called for African nations to play a bigger role in international affairs, including increasing their say and representation in the UN Security Council. Tang also urged the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to launch a fresh round of talks aimed at helping third world countries fight poverty. The Chinese foreign minister, who flew out of Ethiopia on Saturday, said his trip had been extremely fruitful and that he believed both countries would improve their already close ties. He said that they had much to learn from each other and that Ethiopia played vital role in African affairs. "At present, Ethiopia is focusing on domestic economic development, while China is deepening reform and opening up and quickening the pace of development," he added. Tang also praised the establishment of the African Union (AU) that would help the continent fight poverty and increase development. Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin praised China's efforts in supporting African countries. "Ethiopia’s priority today is to develop its human resources and China is actively participating in assisting Ethiopia in this area," he said. He noted that bilateral agreements were signed on holding regular political consultations and on technical assistance. The two countries also hope to improve relations through the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, launched in Beijing last year, and which Ethiopia will be hosting as a follow-up conference. Tang also visited the 33 kilometre-long ring road that surrounds Addis Ababa and has been under construction by the China Road and Bridge company since 1998. The first phase of the construction was inaugurated and opened to vehicles at the weekend. The road, which is expected to alleviate the traffic congestion, is expected to be completed by 2003 at a cost of US $76 million. Before arriving in Ethiopia, Tang visited Eritrea and held talks with President Isayas Afewerki during which they underlined the strong ties between the two countries.