Ethiopia Wednesday expressed its desire to further bolster the cooperation with China in the infrastructure construction sector.

During his talks with visiting Chinese Minister of Construction Wang Guangtao, Ethiopian Minister of Works and Urban Development Kassu IIala said the two nations are enjoying a friendly and cooperative relationship based on mutual respect.

The Ethiopian minister expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government for providing the necessary support and encouragement to capable contractors' to come to Ethiopia and play a significant role in the road construction and other infrastructure development programs.

Kassu said Ethiopia has attached due attention to the infrastructure development sector, while 70 percent of the infrastructure construction projects in Ethiopia are being carried out by the Chinese construction companies.

The ministry is striving to further improve the level and quality of the mutual benefits of the two countries, he said.

Kassu used the opportunity to invite the Chinese companies to participate in design and building arrangements with the Ethiopian housing development authorities.

He said the Ethiopian government would extend its cooperation to Chinese investors if they engage in housing development, installation of railways, road construction sectors, among others.

Chinese Minister Wang Guangtao for his part said China has also a strong conviction to further step up its ties with Ethiopia.

He appreciated the support the Ethiopian government is providing to Chinese companies working in the construction sector in Ethiopia.

Wang expressed his government's desire to enhance the friendly cooperation between the two sisterly countries.

Wang and his entourage arrived in Addis Ababa on Wednesday morning for a four-day working visit.

(Xinhua News Agency February 28, 2008)