On 29 June, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew.

Wang said that China and Ethiopia are good friends and good partners. The two countries have rendered each other mutual understanding and support in the fight against COVID-19. Bilateral friendship and mutual trust has thus been strengthened and the comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership further consolidated.

Wang underscored China's readiness to work with African friends, Ethiopia included, to follow through on the outcomes of the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19. First, China will continue to provide emergency assistance to African countries and send medical teams for experience sharing as the evolving situation calls for. Second, public health, economic reopening and people's well-being will be prioritized as the two sides implement the deliverables of the FOCAC Beijing Summit. Third, China will start the construction of the Africa CDC headquarters this year ahead of schedule. Fourth, China will seek faster progress in the discussions with African countries on the ways to carry out the G20 debt service suspension initiative.

Wang said that as developing countries, China and Ethiopia share common interests on safeguarding each other's sovereignty and dignity. China appreciates Ethiopia's support for its legitimate position on Hong Kong. The matter of Hong Kong is entirely China's internal affairs. Some countries and forces have, on the pretext of human rights, attempted to destabilize Hong Kong and to impede China's development and revitalization. China firmly rejects politicizing human rights matters and exploiting human rights for interfering in other countries' internal affairs. China will resolutely defend its legitimate rights and interests and steadfastly safeguard the common interests of the developing world.

Gedu congratulated China on the success of the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19 and the High-level Video Conference on Belt and Road International Cooperation, as full reflection of China's commitment to international solidarity in COVID-19 response. He expressed Ethiopia's appreciation for China's support for African countries in their battle against the virus and in building the Africa CDC headquarters, which is vital for enhancing Africa's public health system. He reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to the one-China policy, that the matter of Hong Kong is China's internal affairs, and that China's sovereignty should be respected on all international occasions.

Gedu also updated Wang on the situation regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Wang reiterated China's support for parties concerned in finding a mutually-beneficial solution through continued, friendly consultations.