Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Addis Ababa Sunday evening for an official visit, during which he will attend the opening ceremony of the Second Ministerial Conference of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum.  

This is Wen's first visit to Ethiopia as Chinese premier. In a written statement at the airport, Wen said that in the 21st century, both China and Africa face an arduous task of maintaining peace, promoting development and improving the living standards of the peoples in China and African countries.

He said it was the common desire of the Chinese and African peoples to enhance friendly contacts and establish the relations of new partnership based on long-term stability, equal benefits and comprehensive cooperation.

Wen said he would hold talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and other African leaders on China-Africa relations, and regional and international issues of mutual concern.

At the forum, China and Africa would also explore new ways of deepening cooperation in tapping human resources, developing agriculture, building up infrastructure, and enhancing investment and trade, Wen added.

The China-Africa forum, scheduled for Dec. 15-16, will explore new ways to enhance China-Africa cooperation in various fields.

Ethiopia is the last leg of his four-nation tour which has already taken him to the United States, Canada and Mexico.

(Xinhua News Agency December 15, 2003)