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The new Ethiopian ambassador to China, Teshome Toga Chanaka Photo: Courtesy of the Ethiopian Embassy in China
The Ethiopian ambassador to China said he believed the China-Ethiopia partnership would be strengthened after the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that relations between China and Africa have always been based on mutual respect and benefit.
Regarding the influence of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in the country, Ambassador Teshome Toga Chanaka told the Global Times in an exclusive interview that “social distancing and other measures aimed at the protection and control of the Viruses could affect timely completion. ” but surely the projects are working in progress. ”
Ethiopia’s BRI projects include the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, the economic corridor and the development of the industrial park.
“The execution of many economic movements and other projects will slow down, but we hope that as soon as the situation improves, implementation will improve,” the diplomat said. China and Africa have been working together to address the coronavirus, and “the pandemic will strengthen friendship, solidarity and cooperation between China and Africa in the near future,” Chanaka said.
China-Ethiopia cooperation amid pandemic
There are approximately 30,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the African continent, with Ethiopia reporting more than 123, according to public statistics. Experts warned that the continent could face an outbreak of disasters and humanitarian crises due to the fragile health systems of various nations.
The UN and the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that COVID-19 is increasing in Africa and that if steps could not be taken to improve prevention and control, the damage would be serious.
“Since Africa has fragile health facilities, efforts must be made to improve the continent’s ability to investigate alerts, treat patients in isolation facilities and improve infection, ensure prevention and control of COVID-19,” said the ambassador.
Some observers questioned that, compared to other developed countries and regions, the relatively low confirmed cases of COVID-19 may not tell the whole story, as Ethiopia does not have enough test kits to conduct mass testing.
In response, the Ethiopian diplomat told the Global Times that his government is working tirelessly to strengthen national efforts to improve its preparedness and response to emergencies by establishing a task force at the national and regional levels, and has set up isolation centers. for detection and contact. Follow-up with confirmed cases inside and outside Addis Ababa, and deployed human resources to manage the isolation centers.
Chanaka admitted that the number of infected people could increase if massive tests are used.
Capacity is being built but has not reached the required level, he said. “We need foreign assistance and philanthropic support to acquire medical supplies and equipment that will be used to combat the spread of the pandemic in our country.”
According to Chanaka, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of China and Ethiopia are now actively cooperating to build a strong African public health infrastructure by sharing information, providing expertise and expanding resources.
A team of 12 Chinese medical experts, including infectious disease, respiratory and critical care, and public health specialists, arrived in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa on April 16 to assist the country in its fight against COVID-19.
Chanaka praised China’s help by sharing its resources and experts.
Ethiopian public health authorities have identified elements of which they are critically short, such as ventilators, patient monitors, suction machines, oxygen face masks, test kits, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Chanaka said logistics is another challenge as flight services have been halted due to the outbreak. Ethiopian officials are working with relevant Chinese government agencies to assist Ethiopia in this regard.
Non-discrimination against Africans.
The diplomat noted that 2020 marks the Golden Jubilee of establishing formal diplomatic relations between China and Ethiopia, and that “over the years they have forged a strong partnership at all levels and in all sectors,” which ” it was further improved during the fight against COVID-19 “.
“They both believe that victory over COVID-19 and the post pandemic equally require global strategy and unity,” he added.
The envoy contested Western media reports, claiming that Africans in China have suffered discrimination because of the virus.
He said that during the outbreak, there were more than 4,000 African students in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei province, and it was the community in Wuhan, the university, and city administrations and volunteers who cared for and supported African students. .
“They were not discriminated against because of their origins. There were many Africans who also lived in other parts of China during the spread of the various and no signs of discrimination were reported,” said the ambassador.
According to an AFP count, a video began circulating on social media purporting to show a Kenyan couple involved in a fist fight with a Chinese couple in Wuhan, later confirmed to be false. The incident occurred in the Bronx, New York, in front of an Asian restaurant.
Chanaka said the recent incident in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, was an unfortunate event, but it is “localized, which does not reflect the overall situation of Africans in China.”
Both sides gave guarantees “to take appropriate measures to prevent something like this from happening against the Africans and also agreed to fight jointly against COVID-19,” he added.
“As far as we know about the virus, it affects all of humanity across the race. We need to fight the pandemic together as human beings. We need to act soberly and reasonably … No need to react emotionally and in a panic.” , said. The Embassador.
The Ethiopian diplomat stated that the China-Africa relationship has shown progress in political, economic, military, social and cultural aspects since the establishment of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) and BRI.
Responding to questions related to his impression of China’s measures in the fight against the virus, the envoy told the Global Times that he had personally witnessed China’s national effort and national coordination from the central government to the base level.
The government, health workers, civilians, the media and other sectors of society have shown the world how to protect and control a national challenge, he noted.
“China has done its part in an unprecedented way. Its ability to mobilize and the loyalty of the people to comply with government directives were extraordinary.”
Chanaka emphasized that it is the best lesson for Ethiopia and the rest of the world for them to learn from the Chinese experience and apply the knowledge to their situation.
