Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang says Beijing firmly supports the peace process in Ethiopia and is willing to deepen cooperation with the country across a range of fields. Qin made the remarks when meeting his Ethiopian counterpart Demeke Mekonnen Hassen on Thursday in Beijing. Demeke is on an official visit to China until Sunday. You Yang reports. 

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang says China and Ethiopia are good friends with high levels of mutual trust and a sincere approach to cooperation.

QIN GANG Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister "Africa was the first continent I visited when I was appointed as Chinese foreign minister. And among my destinations, Ethiopia was the first country I visited during the trip. Since we've established diplomatic ties for over half a century, the two countries have been supporting each other, helping each other, setting an example for unity among developing countries and win-win development."

Qin also thanked the Ethiopian foreign minister for the efforts of his country in evacuating Chinese nationals from Sudan during the recent crisis there.

For his part, Ethiopia's deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs said bilateral cooperation between China and Ethiopia has brought clear benefits to the people of both countries, creating a model for South-South cooperation.

The Chinese foreign minister said cooperation with Africa will always be a diplomatic priority for Beijing, as the two sides vowed to enhance unity and friendship by seeking common development.

YOU YANG Beijing "China and Ethiopia established diplomatic ties back in the 1970s. More than half a century later, the two countries have strengthened cooperation in many areas such as peace and security, climate change, fighting terrorism, as well as pushing ahead with United Nations reform programs. You Yang, CGTN, Beijing."