Chinese President Xi Jinping met Ethiopian Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed Ali on Wednesday ahead of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

President Xi said the two countries should continue to promote mutual understanding and trust as well as mutually-beneficial cooperation.

Both countries should strengthen cooperation in industry and trade, climate change and other regional affairs, under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Xi said.

On his side, Abiy said 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries; and Ethiopia hopes to take the opportunity to tighten ties.

China always respects African countries and does not impose its own will on African countries, he said.

Ethiopia wants to promote the BRI based on the principle of shared growth, and firmly supports the building of a community with shared future between China and Africa, he added.