African countries, historically left out of industrialization movements, need to work closely with China to keep up with the latest technological advancements, said Ethiopian Ambassador to China Tefera Derbew Yimam.
Yimam, who has been closely following China's ongoing "two sessions", expressed his admiration for the country's efficiency in achieving its goals during an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
"What impressed me most is what had been planned last year was implemented accordingly and the goal set has been achieved. Since China contributes 30 percent of economic development to the global economy, China's economy 5 percent of GDP growth will have a multiplier effect and a significant impact to the global economy," Yimam said.
He praised China's technological advancements and called for Africa to work closely with China to catch up with the new industrial revolution.
"China is advancing in many technological fields. I think as a developing country, we can learn and share experience and we can attract investment in this area. So that we can partner with China to be part of the technological advancement, because Africa has missed the last technological advancements and industrial revolution. I think this time we should not miss this opportunity. We have to closely work with China," he emphasized.
The "two sessions" refer to the annual meetings of China's highest organ of state power, the National People's Congress (NPC), and its top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
This year, the third session of the 14th NPC opened on March 5, while the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee began on March 4.
Africa must work closely with China for technological advancement: Ethiopian ambassador
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
