Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel have agreed to further strengthen development cooperation between the two countries.

In a joint statement they gave here on Thursday regarding the discussion held between senior government officials of Ethiopia and Germany, the bilateral cooperation between the two countries is now at an excellent stage.

Prime Minister Meles said the discussion held between the two sides and the visit of the German Chancellor would further enhance the bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Meles said the discussion would help raise the development assistance Ethiopia is getting from Germany.

He said the two sides have also discussed international issues and New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), among others.

Merkel, on her part, said  that Germany is assisting Ethiopia in education and health development sectors, among others.

She reaffirmed that Germany would continue assisting Ethiopia in its drive to expand education and training services across the country.

Merkel said the economic growth Ethiopia has registered in the past consecutive years was encouraging.

She also conveyed best wishes to all Ethiopians on the occasion of the new millennium.

The two sides have also deliberated on issues related to building democracy and human rights.