On May 13, 2019, H.E. Ambassador Teshome Toga delivered a lecture at the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD), Peking University. He shared thoughts on China-Africa and by extension, Ethiopia-China cooperation within the framework of South-South Cooperation. He also briefly touched upon the recent political and economic developments in Ethiopia and answered a number of questions raised from participants. The event was hosted by Professor FU Jun, Academic Dean of the Institute.

The China-Ethiopia relationship seems to be taking a serious fermentation of hope with the new Ambassador of Ethiopia to China making an enthusiastic stance. Ambassador Teshome offered a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between China and Ethiopia in his speech. Looking more focused and charismatic, he wavered a defining statement that China’s partnership with Africa is an unavoidable destination as they share principles of equality, mutual trust and respect, mutual interest and benefit. As if he would ask why you should despise a friend who shares such a platform, he continued saying, China has been a friend for Africa for a long time especially in difficult times.
One critical part he emphasized that China has been a preferred partner for Africa is the respect for the sovereignty of African states; China does not intervene in political situations in any African country. This is the reason Forum for China and Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was born to cement the relationship between Africa and China. The FOCAC is a strong partnership, which has gestated over a long period of time. It has the potential of bringing various advantages to the two sides (China and Africa). In many areas, the partnership has delivered some concrete outcomes that are beneficial to Africa although Africa needs to utilize the partnership to the fullest in terms of the potential of the available market and the business opportunities. 

Switching back to the relationship between China and Ethiopia, Ambassador Teshome noted that Ethiopia is benefitting a lot from China in so many ways such as infrastructure development, on this, he cited the rail line from Djibouti to Addis Ababa which has changed the economic status of Ethiopia. On human capital, China has been offering scholarships to Ethiopian students in different fields, this capacity building remains a fundamental milestone for a country like Ethiopia.

Talking about the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Ethiopia is the first country in Africa to sign an agreement to enter into the BRI partnership. Responding to questions on what he expects from the China-Ethiopia relationship, the Ambassador gently capped science and technology as the critical area that Ethiopia needs a hand from China.

Taking his turn, Professor Fu Jun, Academic Dean of ISCCAD thanked Ambassador Teshome for availing himself to talk to ISSCAD students and share his diplomatic experience especially on the issues related to Africa-Ethiopia diplomacy. Ethiopia has sent over 20 government officials to study at ISSCAD as masters' and doctoral candidates.

Nigussie, a doctoral candidate from Ethiopia shared his comments on the lecture. He said, “I believe the lecture has made clear why the African governments have shown real interest towards the Belt and Road initiative; mentioning practical examples like Ethio-Djibouti railway projects that have connected the two countries and its role in facilitating trade and investment in the area. It also indicated the issues to focus on how to facilitate and coordinate the efficient and effective implementation of the initiative.”