China and Ethiopia reaffirm alliance at meeting on sidelies of BRICS summit
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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivers closing remarks at the BRICS Summit in Brasília, urging the Global South to lead in health equity and climate action.
China and Ethiopia Reaffirm Strategic Alliance at BRICS Summit
Leaders pledge to deepen trade, infrastructure and multilateral cooperation
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have reaffirmed their countries’ long-standing alliance, pledging to boost bilateral trade, strengthen infrastructure collaboration, and expand cooperation in multilateral forums such as BRICS and the United Nations.
Meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, Li emphasized the two nations’ 55-year diplomatic relationship, describing it as a model for China-Africa cooperation. He said both countries are vital members of the Global South, with shared interests in sustainable development and global equity.
“China is ready to work with Ethiopia to expand trade and investment and promote the sustainable development of the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway,” Li stated.
Boosting Trade and Infrastructure
Trade between China and Ethiopia reached nearly $5 billion in 2024, up from $3 billion in 2014. However, the trade balance remains significantly tilted in China’s favor, with Chinese exports totaling $4.3 billion, while Ethiopia’s exports to China dropped to $564 million.
China’s key exports to Ethiopia include trucks, light industrial goods, high-tech equipment, and pharmaceuticals, while Ethiopia primarily exports leather, cotton, coffee, and is China’s top sesame supplier.
Premier Li also reiterated China’s support for African infrastructure projects, with a special focus on modernizing and expanding the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway, a key regional trade corridor.
Zero-Tariff Policy and Future Cooperation
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Abiy thanked China for its consistent support and welcomed Beijing’s zero-tariff policy for African nations with formal diplomatic ties. The policy is aimed at improving access to the Chinese market for African goods, part of China’s broader effort to deepen economic ties across the continent.
“We look forward to advancing cooperation in trade, communications, industry, tourism, and beyond,” Abiy said.
Both leaders pledged to maintain close coordination within multilateral frameworks, highlighting the importance of South-South cooperation in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
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