China is willing to keep in close contact with Ethiopia and offer support in issues of mutual concern, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday. 

Ethiopia is an important partner of China in Africa. The two countries have raised bilateral relations to the comprehensive strategic partnership. 

China supports Ethiopia's development path, which suits its national conditions, the Chinese president said. 

He said that China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Ethiopia. 

Xi also encouraged the two countries to keep close communication on international and regional issues and safeguard the common interests. 

China is a reliable friend in the development process of Ethiopia, Ahmed said. 

He expressed thanks for China's help in recent years, adding that Ethiopia wants to learn from the Chinese experience in the governance of a nation. 

Ethiopia will actively take part in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), he noted.