ADDIS ABABA, (Xinhua) — The strategic partnership between Africa and China is “indisputably vital” to help the continent implement regional and global agendas through equipping its youth with technological capabilities, experts and officials have said.
They made the remarks at a meeting under the theme “Prospects of China- Africa Cooperation: Youth Leaders Forum,” that was held Thursday in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.
Ethiopian Minister of Women and Social Affairs Ergogie Tesfaye said the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) established in 2000 is “an excellent approach” to resolve the technological deficiency the African nations have faced with.
“China-Africa cooperation and diplomatic relations are overwhelming and growing as manifested by social, economic, and political partnerships,” Tesfaye said, noting that the two sides have been defending intrusions coming from different corners of the world.
According to the minister, the human capital in Africa is predominantly unskilled and technologically unequipped and these situations have subjected the people in the region to poverty.
“The implementation of the regional and global agendas, such as AU’s agenda 2063 and SDGs 2030, respectively, are considerably dependent on technological capability and knowledge of the youth labor force, therefore, the strategic partnership established between Africa and China is indisputably beneficiary,” she said.
She added that the growing partnership between Ethiopia and China is positively contributing to the favor of a green economy, global governance system, and solidarity through trust building towards the mutual growth and development of the two countries.
The one-day forum, which was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia and the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), dwelt on possible ways to boost China and Africa multidimensional relations and promote peace and development in Africa through increased participation of the youth in leadership positions.
Zhao Zhiyuan, China’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, on his part emphasized that the purpose and goal of China foreign policy is crystal clear, and that is to safeguard world peace, promote common development, and push for a community of shared future for mankind.
The ambassador said some forces continue interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and threatening global order, adding the government of China would continue striving for fairness and justice, achieving modernization and global development.
Zhao noted that global development initiatives of China would help Africa implement the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and jointly write new chapter in the era of solidarity and cooperation.
Speaking on the occasion, Tesfaye Yilma, State Minister for Political and Economic Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, said China and Ethiopia have long-standing relations built on shared history and solid foundation, guided by the principles of trust and respect.
Yilma said China remains to be Ethiopia’s major trading partner and source of foreign direct investment and finance for infrastructure projects across the country. – Xinhua
