Ethiopian President Girma Woldegiorgis said on Monday the multi-dimensional relations between Ethiopia and China are gaining momentum.

 

While holding talks with He Luli, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC) at his office, Girma said the involvement of Chinese companies in various development activities in Ethiopia accelerates the ongoing anti-poverty struggle in the country.

 

He said Ethiopia would play its role in further enhancing the Sino-African relations.

 

For her part, He Luli, heading a delegation of the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD), said the long-standing relations between Ethiopia and China was founded on the common interests of the two countries.

 

The Chinese guest said Ethio-Chinese economic and cultural ties as well as people-to-people relations have flourished particularly over the past 15 years since the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) came to power in 1991.

 

Chinese companies have come to Ethiopia and engaged in various development sectors, He Luli said, adding that the two countries have been closely working on continental and international issues.

 

He Luli departed in Addis Ababa on Monday for a Zimbabwe visit. During her six-day visit in Ethiopia, she also exchanged views with Ethiopia's parliamentary officials.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2006)