Ethiopian PM hails Chinese COVID-19 medical assistance

ADDIS ABABA -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Oct 19 hailed Chinese assistance to help his country's fight against the spread of COVID-19.

Presenting a report to the Ethiopian parliament, Ahmed said Chinese support, including through COVID-19 medical supplies, has provided essential help to the east African country's fight against the spread of COVID-19.

The Ethiopian Prime Minister in particular commended the continued support from a non-profit organization founded by Chinese tech entrepreneur Jack Ma.

"We've received lots of COVID-19 medical supplies as donations especially from the Jack Ma foundation as part of an African continent-wide medical assistance scheme," Ahmed said.

"Ethiopia was the primary beneficiary of the COVID-19 medical supplies donation, in addition to serving as a transport hub for the whole of the African continent," the PM further said.

Ethiopia has confirmed 89,137 COVID-19 cases and 1,352 COVID-19 related deaths so far.

The east African country confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on March 13.

The Ethiopian PM also thanked China's support for the landmark Sheger park project, which he said is a testament to the strong bilateral ties.

Initiated by the prime minister, the Sheger park project is being carried out with a view of beautifying and making the capital of the East African country Addis Ababa a hub of urban tourism as well, whereby it provides outstanding attraction in the city and also helps boost the country's tourism and economy.

With the financial support from the Chinese government and contracted by the China Communications Construction Company, the project includes the construction of the Central Square (about 48 hectares) and the 12-km river treatment, from Entoto Mountain to Peacock Reach.

The Chinese-funded 12-km section of the 56-km beautifying Sheger Project was launched in October 2019.