Ethiopia, Nigeria ink three bilateral agreements

Oct 10, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and President Olusegun Obasanjo have said the visit by the Nigerian president was successful. The two countries also signed here today three bilateral agreements.

Ethiopia and Nigeria signed cooperation agreement on culture and tourism, trade and mutual recognition agreement on standardization with a view to further strengthening their cooperation in those fields.

In a press briefing held with local and foreign journalists after the conclusion of a three-day state visit by President Olusegun Obasanjo Tuesday, Prime Minister Meles expressed his delight at the visit which opened room for improvement in trade and investment between the two countries.

Prime Minister Meles also appreciated the technical assistance programmes of Nigeria , which Ethiopia is the first beneficiary.

President Obasanjo on his part reiterated that the visit helped him witness the remarkable development achieved in the country for which he appreciated the prime minister, the government and the people of Ethiopia.

With regards to Somalia, the two leaders reiterated the need to support the IGAD initiative as the AU mandated the IGAD and also to create an environment for the Somalis to resolve the conflict by themselves.

On the situation in the Sudan’s troubled region of Darfur, the two leaders recalled the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the AU to extend the mandate of the African Mission in Sudan, UNMIS, and called up on the international community to provide support to UNMIS.

(ST)