(ECNS) --"We are very close with the Chinese. Even though there is a distance between Ethiopia and China, we feel that China is our close neighbor and neighboring country," said Ethiopian scholar Melaku Mulualem, Training Director General at the Institute of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia in a recent interview with China News Network.

During the interview, Melaku Mulualem recalled his experience studying in Beijing, and visiting cities in China like Shanghai and Fuzhou. He was greatly impressed by major changes and development undertaken in China over the past few years.

"Whenever I come to China, I notice a lot of changes," Melaku Mulualem said. "The construction is very fast. The roads are very clean. And people are cooperative. If I get lost, they are ready to help me."

In Mulualem's view, Ethiopia and China have a long history of friendship. The two countries formally established diplomatic ties in 1970, and since then their bilateral relation has grown stronger .

In particular, he noticed that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has injected a strong impetus into trade and investment between Ethiopia and China, and has benefited people from the two countries.

He pointed out that the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, a landmark railway line connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti as well as a flagship project under the framework of the BRI, has gained acclaim for its contribution to reducing travel time and facilitating Ethiopia's growing trade.

"My friend used to travel for 3 days from Addis Ababa to Djibouti City, but now within 11 or 12 hours(via the railway),”Mulualem said.“So it has minimized the time for people who travel, for people who trade, and with safety also.”

He also praised several other cooperation projects between Africa and China, including construction of the new headquarters of the African Union and the reference laboratory for the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"This shows how much China is supporting Africa. So the relationship is becoming stronger and stronger, not only between Ethiopia and China, but also between Africa and China." the Ethiopian scholar said.

He further highlighted the global challenges of injustice and inequality in governance, noting China's efforts to address these issues.

"That's why China has been supporting South-South cooperation. One of the cooperative mechanisms is the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which is a good example of China supporting South-South cooperation, especially to support Africa," he added.

Through South-South cooperation, Africa has gained access to technology transfer, financial support, and education and training opportunities. "I myself also benefit from it. Because of China's active participation and hard working, South-South cooperation is getting better and better," Mulualem concluded.