On August 27, 2010, Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki met with visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun in Asmara.

President Isaias meets with Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun

Zhai said that Eritrea is a good friend, good brother and good partner of China. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 17 years ago, the two countries have always adhered to the principles of sincere friendship, mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit with bilateral ties developing smoothly. China is ready to further build up political trust with Eritrea, deepen cooperation in all areas and enhance coordination and cooperation in international affairs in a bid to push bilateral ties to a new level.

Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun meets with Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh

Isaias said that although Eritrea established diplomatic ties with China not long ago, China has provided precious support to Eritrea in the areas of politics, economy and social development and has made important contributions to Eritrea’s national development, for which the Eritrean side expressed thanks. The Eritrean side views bilateral ties from a strategic perspective and hopes to strengthen bilateral cooperation on economy, trade and infrastructure construction and push the ties to yield more fruitful outcome.

Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun and Eritrean Finance Minister Berhane Abrehe sign the economic and technological cooperation agreement between the two countries

On August 28, Zhai held talks with Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman, exchanging in-depth views on bilateral ties as well as international and regional issues of common concern. During the visit, both sides also signed an agreement on economic and technological cooperation between the two governments.