US, Ethiopia sign ‘open skies’ aviation pact

WASHINGTON, May 17 (AFP) — The United States and Ethiopia on Tuesday signed an “open skies” aviation agreement that allows full access to both markets for airlines from each country.

US Deputy Transportation Secretary Maria Cino and Haile Asegide, state minister of Ethiopia’s ministry of infrastructure, signed the deal, which was reached after two days of talks last week in Washington.

“Open skies’ will allow Ethiopia to serve as a vital gateway into and from Africa, connecting travelers, trade and friendship across both sides of the Atlantic,” US Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said.

The United States now has open-skies deals with 70 countries, including 15 in Africa.