Ethiopia, Israel to enhance economic ties

Nov 15, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said the bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Israel in trade, agriculture and investment sectors would further be consolidated.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi returned here on Tuesday after attending the 10th commemoration of the death of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

The Commemoration of the death of Yitzhak Rabin was held here on Monday in Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Meles, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and former American President Bill Clinton and senior government officials of various countries attended the commemoration day.

Speaking on the occasion Prime Minister Meles expressed Ethiopia’s desire to work together in agriculture sector with Israel which has a rich experience in the field.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said the trade, industry and agriculture cooperation Israel has with Ethiopia would further be enhanced.

During his brief stay, Meles had held talks with Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Silva Shalom on bilateral political and economic cooperation.

Meles also held discussion with Ethiopian and Israeli investors who are interested to invest in Ethiopia.

The investors who met with Meles said they would come and launch investment projects next week, as they were satisfied with the encouragement of Meles, according to the Ethiopian Television.

(ENA/ST)