Ethio-Italy cooperation entered into new historical era – envoy
Oct 25, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — The departing Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Guido Latella said the multi dimensional cooperation between Italy and Ethiopia has entered into a new historical era.
While presenting his letter of departure to President Girma Woldegiorgis on Tuesday, Ambassador Latella said the Ethio-Italy cooperation has entered to a new historical era particularly after the return of the Axum obelisk from Rome.
Governments of the two countries have been trying their level best to further enhance the development cooperation between the two countries, the Ambassador said.
He said Ethiopia and Italy have carried out fruitful activities aimed at strengthening their relations, adding, the cooperation would be further enhanced in the future.
Ambassador Latella further said the Italian government has written off Ethiopia’s 340 million Euro debt.
Moreover, he said the Italian government has granted a 220 million Euro loan for the execution of the Gilgel Gibe hydro electric power station.
The loan granted for the execution of the Gilgel Gibe hydro electric project was the highest in its kind, he added.
(ENA/ST)
The Italian government, that played significant role for the return of the Axum obelisk will pursue on providing its assistance until the re erection of the obelisk, according to Ambassador Latella.
Ambassador Latella also expressed his great satisfaction over activities he accomplished during his four years and half tenure in Ethiopia.
President Girma Woldegiorgis on his part said the Ambassador Latella had performed fruitful activities during his stay in Ethiopia and expressed his belief that he will be promting good images of Ethiopia in the future.
President Girma said Ambassador Latella is among Ambassadors that contributed alot for Ethiopia, according to a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The official also said Prime Minister Meles Zenawi had discussed on various issues of strengthening Ethio-Italy cooperation with Prime Minister Berlusconi during his working visit in Italy last year.
Similarly, a high level Italian delegation led by Italian vice Minister of Trade had paid visit to Ethiopia and discussed on ways of strengthening Ethio-Italy investment and trade cooperation, he recalled.
The Italian development cooperation supports infrastructure, health, education and other development activities being carried out by the Ethiopian government, he said.