On June 10, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen.

Wang Yi said, China and Ethiopia are old friends and good friends. The two sides are each other's comprehensive strategic cooperative partners and have a good tradition of supporting each other. China firmly supports Ethiopia in defending national peace and stability, actively exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and overcoming the pandemic so as to resume economic and social development.

After listening to Demeke's briefing on the current situation in Ethiopia, Wang Yi said, China opposes foreign interference in Ethiopia's internal affairs. Ethiopia's domestic issues should be resolved primarily through the efforts of the Ethiopian government. The international community should fully respect Ethiopia's will while providing support, and should not impose unilateral sanctions on Ethiopia. China is willing to provide assistance to alleviate humanitarian difficulties in Tigray, and has dispatched the first batch of food aid.

On the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Wang Yi said, the utilization of cross-border water resources has always been sensitive and complex, and dialogue and consultation are the optimal way to resolve the issue. China sincerely hopes that Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan will find a mutually beneficial and win-win solution through negotiations.

Demeke expressed his gratitude to China for its precious support and sincere help in Ethiopia's anti-pandemic fight, and appreciated China's adherence to the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs. Ethiopia is willing to maintain close exchange and coordination with China on international affairs, jointly defend the legitimate rights and interests of the two countries as well as the developing countries at large, and safeguard international fairness and justice. Demeke hopes to further strengthen friendly cooperation with China in various fields and continuously promote the deepening of Africa-China relations, so as to achieve common development and prosperity.