Ethiopia to participate in Non-aligned Movement Summit

May 17, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian President Girma Woldegiorgis said Wednesday his country will take part in the Non-aligned Movement Summit to be hosted by Cuba in September.

Girma made the remark while receiving a Cuban delegation led byJaime Crombet Banquero, vice president of Cuban’s National Assembly.

He said the Non-aligned Movement is an important forum, which provides an opportunity for developing countries to collectively echo their voices on various matters of common concern.

Ethiopia is a founding member of the Nonaligned Movement, Girmasaid.

Over 60 heads of state are expected to attend the Nonaligned Movement Summit in Cuba.

Girma also lauded the long-standing relations between Ethiopia and Cuba, saying that over 3,500 Ethiopians, trained in Cuba, are currently playing a significant role in the country’s development.

Moreover, the Ethiopian president said Cuban professionals are currently providing services in Ethiopia, and called on the continuation of such efforts.

For his part, Banquero said there exist wide opportunities in education, agriculture, sports and other areas, in which Cuba and Ethiopia could cooperate.

Banquero also expressed Cuba’s desire to further enhance the existing relations between the two countries.

(Xinhua/ST)