Ethiopia to encourage Russian investments
Sept 4, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has said that Ethiopia would give the necessary assistance for Russians investing in Ethiopia. The premier said this during talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
During talks held with Meles Zenawi, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia is willing to make wide ranging trade and investment sectors. The foreign minister said that Russians will invest in the trade and investment sectors in line with the bilateral trade and investment agreement signed in 2001.
A high-level Russian delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Addis Ababa late on Saturday to pay a two-day working visit to Ethiopia.
Meles said that Russians will benefit more by investing in Ethiopia and that the government would give them the necessary support and assistance.
The Russian foreign minister told journalists after the talks that the ties between Ethiopia and Russia is at its best and that Russia would make everything possible to maintain this relationship.
“We need to speed up the activities of the inter-governmental commission on trade and economic cooperation. We have understood that there are new investment alternatives in Ethiopia. From now on, the trade and investment relationship shall continue with more vigour.
Ethiopian Ambassador to Russia, Dr. Teketel Forssido said on the occasion the visit of the Russian delegation is aimed at holding discussions toward forging closer bilateral cooperation between the two sisterly countries.
Russia has remained a strategic development partner to Ethiopia, Ambassador Dr. Teketel said, adding Ethiopia encourages Russian entrepreneurs to invest in the country.
(ST)