Visiting Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Lu Guozeng said in Addis Ababa Friday that the bilateral cooperation between China and Ethiopia has been further consolidated.

During his talks with Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tekeda Alemu, Lu said the cooperation between the two countries in various sectors have been strengthened in particular after Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawei's visit to China.

The increasing trade volume between the two nations and the success of the development activities being carried out by Chinese investors operating in Ethiopia are some indicators for the enhancement of bilateral cooperation, he said.

The relations between the two nations have been strengthened since the first ministerial meeting of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum in 2000, said the Chinese official.

Hosting the second ministerial meeting of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum successfully shows that how Ethiopia is committed to successful completion of the forum, he said.

Lu also exchanged views with Tekeda on the third ministerial meeting of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, slated for late 2006 in China's capital Beijing.

Tekeda expressed appreciation to the support by the Chinese government to Ethiopia in the international forums.

He also said the Asia-Africa Summit, being held in Indonesia has a significant role in strengthening the cooperation between Asia and Africa.

The two officials also exchanged views on the reforms of the United Nations, the Horn of Africa and other international affairs.

Source: Xinhua