To begin with, it has to be noted that the issues raised in connection with our relations with Europe can also apply to our relations with the U.S. Rather than repeating issues, we have chosen to concentrate so far on uncovered issues with direct relevance to relations with the U.S. The place and role that the U.S. has in the world must be taken into account. The U.S. represents the biggest economy with the power of determining the fundamental economic rules governing globalization. In addition, the U.S. plays a decisive role in the world in matters relating to peace and stability. It could be argued that no country has been able to industrialize rapidly without winning access to the U.S. market, described as the biggest and wealthiest in the world. It is clear that gaining the support and good will of the U.S. will play a crucial role in our development endeavors, and to our national security.

The fact that there are numerous factors that positively influence our relations with the U.S. should be underlined. To start with, many Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian origin live in the U.S. If utilized effectively, this community could be a force that plays a very important role in strengthening bilateral relations. Mention should also be made of the fact that the two countries have enjoyed a long-standing friendship, save the period of difficulty during the military regime of the Derg. It is also a fact that there are many Americans who are friends of Ethiopia who can contribute a great deal to the improvement of existing relations. Other factors that have a positive impact on our relations include our single-minded commitment to economic development and democratization and the prominent role played by our country in efforts to ensure peace and stability in our region (which the U.S. finds to also be in its interest as well).

As concerns the securing of development finance from the U.S., we should maximize the possibilities of securing direct assistance and also of benefiting from other channels which are influenced by the U.S.. Our main priority will be trade and investment, and the policy we outlined for Europe could apply to the U.S. as well.

One important issue that deserves our attention concerns Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian origin living in the U.S. Regardless of the diversity of their political views, the Ethiopian community in the U.S. shares strong national sentiments and is without doubt keen to contribute to the welfare and progress of Ethiopia and its people. Thus, it constitutes an important force that could promote stronger economic ties between the two countries.

It can be assumed that a good number of those within the Ethiopian community in the U.S. are professionals possessing a certain amount of capital. It is possible to facilitate the deployment of their capital, and the use of their knowledge in a way that benefits our country and themselves. In addition to their own individual investment, they could also team up with U.S. entrepreneurs to invest in Ethiopia. Moreover, they could contribute by exploring and identifying market opportunities for Ethiopian products in the U.S., in cooperation with Ethiopian exporters. There is a clear need for the government to work out a viable initiative aimed at drawing this sector of our society into making a profitable investment in Ethiopia's development. Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian origin residing in the U.S could serve as a strong bridge for trade and investment. We need to target our work to ensure this. For such purpose, the government is required to fully implement the law it has enacted to promote the economic activities of Ethiopians and persons of Ethiopian origin living outside the country.

But this is not all. Ethiopia, the people of Ethiopian origin residing in the U.S. and other friends of our country could participate in various development efforts in Ethiopia, and they should do so. They could contribute funds and material to assist development work in various parts of the country, in the form that they choose. They could also solicit support from others as well.

Those who wish to do so can play a major role is changing Ethiopia's image in the U.S., to promote trade and investment, and to present Ethiopia accurately. They could help influence the media, the legislatures and the government to be positively inclined towards Ethiopia. We should encourage this constituency in the U.S. and facilitate its work. Such an approach is naturally relevant to Ethiopians who live in other countries as well.

As noted earlier, the policy we have adopted in connection with the peace and security of our region is consistent with that of the U.S. There is no doubt that the U.S. is the most powerful influence in today's world, and that it is playing a prominent role in the Middle East. Securing the political and diplomatic support of the U.S. has a great bearing for the success of our efforts to achieve peace and security. It is clear that working in consultation with the U.S. would be necessary and beneficial. There will be occasions when we shall have our differences, and we will need to try to bridge them in the context of the strategic value of the relationship. In our efforts to prevent conflict in our region, we need to consider what role the U.S. can play and resolve differences that may emerge from time to time, separating the major issues from those which are not so important. Strict adherence to such an approach is important.