The Chinese volunteers' stay in Ethiopia is believed to bring the relations of the two countries to a higher stage, said an Ethiopian minister on Monday.

At a farewell ceremony, Ethiopia's Minister of Capacity Building Tefera Walwa said the activity of the Chinese volunteers in Ethiopia is a demonstration of China's commitment to bolster its relations with Ethiopia.

The Chinese volunteers' stay in Ethiopia has contributed a lot to strengthen people-to-people relations of the two countries, particularly relations between Ethiopian and Chinese youth, he said.

While handing over certificates and awards to the Chinese volunteers, who served in Ethiopia for the past one year, Tefera thanked and requested the volunteers to play a role in strengthening relations between the two countries through encouraging other compatriots to come to Ethiopia for the same cause.

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Lin Lin for his part said the objective of the volunteer's program was opening a new chapter in the relations of the two countries.

Since 2005 more than 60 Chinese volunteers have provided services in Ethiopia in various fields, he added.

Lin on the occasion expressed his belief that the relations of the two countries will be further enhanced over the coming few years.

(Xinhua News Agency October 23, 2007)