Details of Ethiopia's president Mulatu Teshome education in Beijing
By Zhang Junmian, beijing.china.org.cn
Mulatu Teshome’s election as Ethiopia’s new president on October 7 has created a sensation at two prestigious Beijing-based universities which were the cradle of the outstanding statesman.
In 1976, Teshome came to China for the first time. As a government-funded student, he studied at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) for one year and then moved on to Peking University, where he successively obtained his BA, MA, and PhD degrees.
Mulatu Teshome at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) in 1976 [File photo]
“He [Teshome) was more mature and diligent than his peers when studying at BLCU. He also showed great respect for all teachers.” Zhao Yupin, an associate professor from BLCU, recalled.
Zhao taught Teshome essential Chinese language courses when the young man was there to learn Chinese in 1976. BLCU is a university specialized in teaching the Chinese language and culture to foreign students.
Zhao, who was deeply impressed by Teshome, added, “He was active and brave in expressing himself in class. He used to finish his homework on time and would ask me questions on whatever he didn’t understand.”
Teshome made rapid progress in learning Mandarin Chinese and soon got acquainted with his new environment. The cheerful student made a lot of Chinese friends. In his spare time, he would often stroll around the streets, have a beer and a chat with his Chinese classmates
The student, who got familiar with Beijing’s hutongs during this time, developed a strong interest in Chinese history and culture.
In 1977, Teshome went on to study at Peking University, where he stayed for 14 years — until 1991. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy of Political Economy in 1982. From 1985 to 1991, he received his master’s and doctor’s degrees in International Law under the supervision of Zhao Baoxu, a well-established Chinese political scientist.
In 1991, 34-year-old Teshome returned to Ethiopia and started his political career as a counselor in the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the mid-1990s, he served as deputy minister of Economic Development and Cooperation. In 2001, he was appointed minister of Agric
ulture and Rural Development. He was a speaker of the House of Federation from 2002 to 2005, and also served as Ethiopia’s ambassador to several countries, including Australia, Japan and China.
ulture and Rural Development. He was a speaker of the House of Federation from 2002 to 2005, and also served as Ethiopia’s ambassador to several countries, including Australia, Japan and China.
Teshome was the Ethiopian ambassador to Turkey until his election as his homeland’s new president for a six-year term.
The man, dubbed “China’s old friend,” made great contributions to strengthening the relationship between Ethiopia and China.
When BLCU celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012, Teshome conveyed his congratulations to his alma mater in a letter. He wrote how he loved China, his second home. He would pay more visits to China in the future in order to deepen the friendship between both countries.
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