On January 11, 2008, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Seyoum Mesfin in Addis Ababa. During the meeting, both sides made positive comments on bilateral friendly cooperation.

Both sides agreed to make joint efforts in the following four aspects to push forward China-Ethiopia comprehensive cooperative partnership.

First, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, build up political trust, and continue mutual support and cooperation on major issues. Ethiopia reaffirms its adherence to the one-China policy.

Second, explore and expand economic and trade cooperation. The project of China's Oriental Industrial Park, set up in Ethiopia, shall be completed as soon as possible. Ethiopia welcomes Chinese firms to invest in the country and take part in its telecommunications and infrastructure construction projects. Ethiopia will guarantee the safety of Chinese firms and their staff members.

Third, increase personnel and cultural exchanges and cooperation. China encourages personnel exchanges and will help Ethiopia train more professionals. China will send the third batch of youth volunteers to work in Ethiopia. China will fully implement the aid projects involving a hospital, three rural schools and an agricultural technology demonstration center.

Fourth, strengthen political consultation between the two foreign ministries so as to keep close coordination and cooperation in both regional and international affairs.

The two sides also exchanged views on Sudan's Darfur and Somalia issues. Chinese Foreign Minister Yang stressed China follows closely African hotspots, upholding the policy of solving African armed conflicts through peaceful means such as dialogue and consultation. Yang said China would continue to work together with the United Nations, the African Union (AU) and African countries concerned to play a constructive role in solving the above issues at an early date and promoting lasting peace, stability and development of African countries concerned and African continent as a whole.

Yang and Seyoum signed an agreement on economic and technological cooperation between the two governments and other bilateral cooperation documents following the talks. They also answered questions from media.

Before his talks with Seyoum, Yang also met with Sufian Ahmed, Ethiopia's minister of finance and economic development, and exchanged views on some cooperative projects.