China and Ethiopia vowed to strengthen cooperation in various fields including green development, digital economy and agriculture during senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi's Ethiopia trip.

Wang, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, visited Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa ahead of the 13th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in Johannesburg, South Africa, from July 24 to 25.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali held talks with Wang on Friday.

Abiy spoke highly of China's development achievements, saying China's firm adherence to its own development path and its rapid economic and social development set a great example for other developing countries. He added that Ethiopia will never forget China's strong support when Ethiopia faced difficulties, and his country regards China as a great and reliable friend.

Ethiopia is willing to learn from China's development experience, strive to achieve agricultural self-sufficiency and rapid economic growth, and promote green and sustainable development, Abiy said.

On international affairs, Abiy stressed that Ethiopia firmly abides by the one-China principle and supports China's position in international affairs. Ethiopia will actively participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and stands ready to cooperate with China in various fields and push for greater development of bilateral relations, Abiy added.

Wang hailed the China-Ethiopia friendship, saying that as comprehensive strategic cooperative partners, China and Ethiopia share common goals and pursuits, and have conducted fruitful cooperation under the frameworks of the BRI and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

He stressed that China stood with the Ethiopian people at the critical moment when Ethiopia was safeguarding its national peace and stability, and will continue to stand by the side of the Ethiopian people as the East African country enters a new stage of restoring peace and national reconstruction.

China is willing to work with Ethiopia to jointly implement the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa and support the African people in resolving African issues in the African way, Wang noted. It will firmly support Ethiopia in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports the country in fulfilling its commitment to national solidarity and stability, and supports it in playing a bigger role in regional and international affairs, he added.

China is willing to continue strengthening strategic coordination with Ethiopia, deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, jointly defend the fundamental interests of the two countries and the common interests of developing countries, and safeguard the basic norms of international relations, Wang said.

"In China's cooperation with Africa, China has never interfered in other countries' internal affairs, attached political conditions or sought geopolitical self-interest," Wang said, adding that China is ready to work with Ethiopia and other African countries to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, green development, digital economy, health and other fields, and constantly open up new prospects for China-Africa cooperation.

He said that China encourages competent and reputable enterprises to invest and do business in Ethiopia, and stands ready to play a positive role in alleviating the debt pressure on Ethiopia. The senior diplomat added that it is hoped Ethiopia will actively foster a sound business environment and that it will take practical and effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in the country.

Wang also held talks with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on Friday.