Addis Ababa University Secures Chinese Friendship Scholarship

ADDIS ABABA — Addis Ababa University (AAU) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese Embassy for a scholarship program, fortifying the educational ties between Ethiopia and China.

According to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), the MoU signing took place at the AAU campus, where Interim President Samuel Kifle recognized the enduring partnership with China in supporting Ethiopia’s journey toward prosperity. He highlighted the Chinese Embassy’s ongoing support for AAU’s graduate and undergraduate students, reflecting on the expansion of strategic collaborations in education and human resource development.

Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan of China to Ethiopia expressed the embassy’s strong commitment to cooperating with AAU. He noted the success of a special scholarship program launched last year aimed at supporting student academic and research endeavors, with many already having reaped its benefits.

The ambassador also underlined the embassy’s enthusiasm for promoting exchanges and joint research collaborations between AAU and Chinese educational institutions. Stressing the significance of the academic community in fostering bilateral ties, Zhao emphasized continued support for AAU’s development, urging Chinese enterprises to recruit the university’s exemplary graduates to enhance industry-academic linkages.

Reflecting on a recent diplomatic advancement, Ambassador Zhao recalled the declaration by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Xi Jinping, which elevated the countries’ relationship to an ‘All Weather Strategic Partnership’. This upgrade marks a significant stride in the deepening of mutual cooperation and friendship between Ethiopia and China.