African countries and people's various support for China's battle against the COVID-19 outbreak has vividly illustrated the brotherly friendship of sharing weal and woe and helping each other between China and Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday in a phone talk with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

In the conversation, Xi noted that at a crucial moment in the Chinese people's fight against the novel coronavirus epidemic, the prime minister has twice sent messages to express sympathies and also made the telephone call, which has reflected the profound friendship and mutual support between China and Ethiopia, two comprehensive strategic cooperative partners.

Xi expressed appreciation for Ethiopia's confidence in China as the African country keeps normal contacts and exchanges with China in line with the World Health Organization's advice.

Noting that the China-Ethiopia and China-Africa friendly and cooperative relations are enjoying good momentum of development, Xi said he is willing to work with Ahmed and other African leaders to push for new progress in the China-Ethiopia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and better implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, so as to bring more practical benefits to both Chinese and African people.

Ahmed, on behalf of the Ethiopian government and people, expressed sincere sympathies to the Chinese people over the COVID-19 epidemic, and high appreciation of China's effective response measures.

Ethiopia firmly believes that under the wise and strong leadership of Xi, China will surely overcome the epidemic at an early date and minimize its impact on economic and social development, the prime minister said.

China is Ethiopia's close friend and brother, and has never been absent when Ethiopia needs it, Ahmed noted, adding that as China is facing difficulties, the Ethiopian people will stand with the Chinese people and go through the rough patch together.

The Ethiopian side attaches great importance to its comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China, and is willing to work with China to deepen cooperation in various fields and push for greater development of bilateral relations and Africa-China relations.