From February 13 to 17, Regional Technical Conference of World Meteorological Organization (WMO)’s Regional Association I (RA I RECO 2023) and the third phase meeting of the 18th session was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Pro. Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of WMO, Dr. Zhang Wenjian, Assistant Secretary-General of WMO, directors of relevant departments of the Secretariat, directors of meteorological departments of 57 members of RA I attended the conference. Dr. Cao Xiaozhong, Deputy Administrator of China Meteorological Administration (CMA)led the Chinese delegation to participate in this event.

This event focuses on meteorological digital transformation in Africa, Early Warnings for All, capacity development, and public & private partnership. The 18th session approved topics like strategic priorities of RA I in the next four years and Early Warnings for All. This session also selected the new president and vice president of RA I.

Dr. Cao Xiaozhong expressed that CMA was willing to continue reinforcing high-level and scientific exchange with meteorological departments of African countries, and provide support for early warnings for all capacity development in Africa and disaster prevention and mitigation of African countries.

During the event, Dr. Cao Xiaozhong held meeting or exchanged notes with Pro. Petteri Taalas, and director of meteorological departments in Cote d 'Ivoire, Mozambique, and United Arab Emirates.

The Chinese delegation visited Ethiopia meteorological department, learned about its operational platform, operational status quo, and development plan. In the meanwhile, it introduced the general picture of China’s meteorological work.

Dr. Cao Xiaozhong remarked that meteorological development in Ethiopia was on fast lane, and CMA was willing to support its meteorological development and anticipated that China-Ethiopia meteorological cooperation would be a model for China-Africa cooperation.

Editor: Liu Shuqiao