Chinese bank mulls further financing for Ethiopian development projects

ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on Monday met a senior official of the Export-Import (Exim) Bank of China on ways of further enhancing the bank's financial assistance to development projects in Ethiopia.

During a meeting here with Exim Vice President Zhu Hongjie, Zenawi said he is very grateful for China's assistance, as he understands that every penny China, also a developing country, lends to Ethiopia is out of generosity of the Chinese people.

Zhu told reporters that he had a fruitful discussion with Zenawi.

Zhu said Ethiopia and China have maintained very good relations for the past years in terms of politics, economics and culture.

Zhu was leading a high-level Chinese delegation for a working visit in Ethiopia. The delegation is expected to meet with senior Ethiopian officials and other pertinent bodies and visit development projects financed by the bank here in the country.