Newsletter 18
Ethio- Nigeria Ties Rise to a New High
Ethiopia and Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen relations for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
At the conclusion of a three-day visit by Olusegun Obasanjo, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to Ethiopia at the invitation of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, the two leaders agreed to work closely at international fora on matters of mutual interest through enhanced cooperation.
The two leaders also urged the organized private sector to accelerate the establishment of Ethiopia chapter of Nigeria - Ethiopia Business Association /NEBA/.
With regards to air transport links between Nigeria and Ethiopia, Meles and Obasanjo expressed their satisfaction.
Nigeria and Ethiopia have also signed Cooperation Agreements on Culture and Tourism, Trade and Mutual Recognition as well a deal on Standardization.
President
Olusegun obasanjo during his stay here visited
Minaye and Tech-Joy Flower Farms at Debrezeit, planted a tree at Nigerian
Street and unveiled the plague of a map of Nigeria erected on
the Street.
He also visited the Addis Ababa University called up on Nigerian teachers corps to be 'a good citizen of Ethiopia so as to be a good citizen of Nigeria and the world at large'.
In his address to the Joint Session of House of Peoples' Representatives and the House of Federation, Obasanjo told MPs to respect the constitution and work for democracy and peace. The leaders have vowed to bolster ties with particular emphasis on trade and investment.
Signing Cooperation agreements
EC Pledges 155 m Euros for Road Sector Development
The European Commission (EC) President announces that it will provide 155 million Euros for the implementation of Ethiopia’s Road Sector Development Programme.
After talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, EC commissioner Jose Manual Barasso said that the commission will also provide further assistance to other development sectors in Ethiopia.
Barroso, during his visit to Ethiopia, said the multifarious cooperation between the European Commission and Ethiopia has been gathering momentum. The Commission has been providing significant support for the development activities in Ethiopia.
“I strongly support Prime Minister Meles’ effort to bring democracy to Ethiopia,” says Barroso, who said his talks with Meles was open and positive. Barroso also pledged support by the European Commission for the success of the Ethiopian Millennium celebrations.
Mr. Jose Mannual Barasso
Prime Minister Meles said the cooperation between Ethiopia and EC is being stepped up. He expressed hope that the Commission would enhance its support to Ethiopia in particular and Africa in general.
Premier has announced focus would be on enhancement of good governance and democratization following his re-election as chairman of the ruling coalition, EPRDF.
Ethiopia, Russia Enjoy Cordial Relations
Ethiopia and Russia currently enjoy the usual warm relations that have been there for long time now.
Ethiopian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Dr. Teketel Forsido, told MoFA Newsletter that Ethiopia enjoys an amicable diplomatic tie with Russia.
The longstanding relations between the two countries have been strengthened through mutual understanding and gains.
He said, the recent visit by the Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergie Lavarov, contributes a great deal by bringing to a new high the relations between the two countries.
Russia could render a big market for Ethiopian exports such as beef and flower, among others.
According to Teketel, a Russian company has shown interest to import 5000 - 10000 tons of beef every month. Discussion for the final cancellation of debt owed by Ethiopia will be held shortly in Moscow, he noted.
Prim Minister Meles Zenawi holding
talks with Russian Foreign Minister
Ethiopia Generates over $1 Billion in Export
The Ministry of Trade and Industry /MoTI/ says Ethiopia obtained 1,008,567,000 dollars from export items the previous year.
Public Relations Department Head with the Ministry, Hailu Abebe told MoFA Newsletter that the stated sum was secured from the export of 793,511 tons of goods to more than 100 destinations.
The foreign currency earning exceeds that of the year before by 189 million dollars.
He attributed the rise in revenue to diversification of export goods which includes textile and textile products, flowers, sugar, tea, cotton.
Asia and Europe are the major export markets for products from Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Draws Lessons from Irish Tourism
Ethiopia, in its effort to draw lessons from Irish Tourism, is working with the Ireland Embassy in Addis Ababa.
Ambassador Mohammud Dirir, Minister of Culture and Tourism, during talks with a visiting Irish business delegation, said the Ministry is working in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and various media institutions to promote the tourist destinations of Ethiopia.
Ambassador Dirir also called for assistance from the Irish government to tap into Ethiopia's tourism potential.
The government, besides establishing the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to oversee operations in the sector, has allotted a great deal of budget to boost its contribution to the national economy.
The delegation, Connect Ethiopia, consisting of 30 businessmen and prominent figures has been here for a working visit to Ethiopia from September 12 - 16/2006.
The Irish business Initiative, during its stay here visited Ethiopian Airlines, Ethiopian Investment Agency, Ministry of Trade and Industry, among others and discussed with officials investment opportunities in Ethiopia.
The Initiative signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopian Civil Engineers Association to establish communication channels.
Ambassador Says "Peace is Priceless"
Ambassador of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG), Abdikarin Farah, said the peace process is more important than anything else for lasting peace in Somalia.
In an interview with MoFA Newsletter, Farah said TFG is committed to participate in any dialogue with Islamic Courts Union (ICU), keeping in mind that negotiation is the only solution for the problem in Somalia.
Ambassador
also appreciated the efforts exerted by member states of Intergovernmental
Authority on Development /IGAD/ and Ethiopia in particular.
The international community should gear up every attempt to provide training to TFG police and security apparatus, he added.
According to the Ambassador, various elements of the ICU, are opposing the agreements reached with the TFG and moderates are in danger of being outflanked by extremists.
The extraordinary summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government in Nairobi, on 5th September 2006 showed commitment for peace in Somalia.
H.E Ambassador Abdikrim Farah