Chinese diplomat: Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS strengthens its global standing

Ethiopia has been actively asserting itself on the international stage, with its participation in various regional and global organisations serving as a key foundation for this progress. This was stated by Sun Mingxi, Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of China in Ethiopia, in an interview with Fana Media Corporation (FMC), a partner of TV BRICS.

According to him, Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS has significantly enhanced the country’s global influence and opened up new opportunities for partnership with other nations of the Global South.

Sun Mingxi also emphasised that cooperation between China and Africa is aimed at supporting the continent’s sustainable development, promoting free trade, and fostering long-term partnerships. Ethiopia plays a key role in this process.

The diplomat noted that relations between China and Ethiopia are built on long-standing friendship. In particular, he highly praised the promotion of cultural and linguistic exchange between the two countries through educational institutions.

China also remains one of Ethiopia’s key investment partners and participates in the implementation of numerous infrastructure projects in the country. In October, Vice Mayor of the Chinese city of Xiamen Zhuang Rongliang reported a significant increase in trade turnover with Ethiopia: over two years of operation of the cargo air route Xiamen – Addis Ababa – Sao Paulo, 598 flights were carried out, which helped boost trade by US$750 million.

Sun Mingxi reaffirmed his country’s readiness to continue supporting Ethiopia in its development efforts and in strengthening the status of African nations.

Ethiopia was granted the right to join BRICS following the summit of the association in August 2023. It officially became a member of BRICS on 1 January 2024.

Photo: Oleksii Liskonih / iStock