Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed China's commitment to deepening cooperation with Ethiopia during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday, held alongside the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The leaders discussed enhancing infrastructure collaboration through the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway – a cornerstone project under the Belt and Road Initiative – while exploring new avenues for trade and investment growth.
Li emphasized China's dedication to 'true multilateralism,' urging joint efforts to safeguard economic globalization and free trade frameworks. The meeting comes as BRICS nations continue shaping global economic governance amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, operational since 2018, serves as a vital trade corridor linking landlocked Ethiopia to Djibouti's strategic Red Sea ports. Both leaders acknowledged its role in fostering regional connectivity and economic integration across East Africa.
Premier Li's participation in the BRICS Summit underscores China's active engagement in South-South cooperation, with observers noting potential implications for emerging markets seeking infrastructure financing alternatives.
