Ethiopia, Kenya discuss power connection

Mar 24, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopia said Friday it has wrapped up a first round discussion with neighboring Kenya to connect the two countries with power transmission lines.

Sendeku Araya, public relations manager with the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo), said the two countries signed an agreement following in-depth discussions held from Wednesday toThursday between ministers of energy, power directors and professionals of both countries on utilization of power transmission lines.

Such kind of agreement will strengthen socioeconomic and political relations of Ethiopia with neighboring countries, Sendeku said.

He added a series of discussions will also be held with Kenya in the near future.

Ethiopia is constructing a number of power projects to step upits power supply. It is desirous of selling power to neighboring countries after meeting local demand.

Sendeku said agreements have been signed recently to sell power for Djibouti and Sudan, adding that processes are nearing completion to launch construction projects for the purpose.

(Xinhua)