China, Ethiopia agree to augment military cooperation

Fan Changlong, Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission, has agreed with Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome and Minister of Defense, Siraj Fegessa, to strengthen the two countries' cooperation in the military arena.

The military relations between China and Ethiopia are currently advancing, and they have made fruitful exchanges and cooperation through personnel training, military medical care, frequent high-level visits, the United Nations peacekeeping and others, said Fan at his meeting with Mulatu on Tuesday.

He added that China and Ethiopia have continually enhanced their mutual political trust, and the friendship between the two peoples has also fortified over the years.

Noting that China is Ethiopia's most important and reliable strategic partner, Mulatu said the two countries have strong common interests and similar development model and China's great development achievements have provided good reference for Ethiopia.

The president expressed his country's keen interest in working with the Asian country to enhance political trust, boost economic and trade ties, and push bilateral military relations to a new level.

Fan also visited a military club in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa and held talks with Siraj. The two military officials agreed to strengthen high-level exchanges and cooperation in the military sector.

Fan, who is in Ethiopia for a three-day official visit, also held working talks with Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, Samora Yenus. Endi