Ethiopia’s parliament endorses agreements with Saudi Arabia, Iran
Oct 18, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — The Ethiopia’s House of Peoples Representatives approved on Tuesday two bills of cooperation agreements signed between Ethiopia and the Saudi Arabian Development Fund, and between the Governments of Ethiopia and Iran.
In its 3rd regular meeting, the House of Peoples Representative firstly approved the bill of the 70.5 million Riyal loan agreement signed between Ethiopia and the Saudi Arabia Development Fund meant for the execution of the Azezo-Metema Asphalt Road Construction Project.
The House approved the bill since the Azezo-Metema Road, which serves 500 vehicles daily, has paramount importance toward strengthening the Ethio-Sudan trade relations and to the development of the national economy.
According to the discussion held on the bill, the road would have crucial role in exporting agricultural products, and in importing petroleum and other basic commodities into the country via the Sudan.
Hence, the House approved the bill of the loan agreement with majority vote of 281 votes and 13 abstainers but with no objection after thorough discussions held on the agenda.
Secondly, the House approved the bill of cooperation agreement on cultural, science, and educational bilateral ties signed between the Governments of Ethiopia and Iran after thorough deliberations.
According to the discussion held on the agenda, the cooperation agreement would enable the two countries to forge strong bilateral ties on capacity building, and to strengthen people-to-people relations.
The agreement would supplement efforts geared toward the development of science and technology in Ethiopia, according to the bill. It also enables the two sisterly countries jointly carry out educational trips, scientific research studies, literary works, and publications.
Especially, the agreement would help Ethiopia to benefit from Iranian experiences in the fields of water resources management, coal and petroleum development, arid agricultural development as well as utilization of technological innovations and products.
The agreement would also provide opportunities to the respective higher learning institutions of the two countries to forge closer ties in the education sector as well as in conducting scientific research studies.
The agreement would enable the two countries to organize cultural festivals, film weeks, musical, theatrical, and other cultural events as well as to share experiences and exchange of professional couches in the field of sports.
After detailed deliberations, the bill of the Ethio-Iran cooperation was seconded by 281 parliamentarians with 12 abstainers but with no objection.
(ENA/ST)