Ethiopia’s successful election contributes to democracy bloom in Africa – Kenya
May 31, 2010 (ADDS ABABA) – Kenyan ministry of foreign affairs has lauded the peaceful Ethiopia’s May 23 national elections, which the ruling EPRDF party won a land slide victory sweeping nearly all parliamentary seats.
Foreign minister Moses Wetang’ula said the peaceful election held in Ethiopia is an important input to the efforts of strengthening and realizing democracy in the African continent. He convoyed congratulatory messages to the people and government of Ethiopia.
The Kenyan minister made the remarks at the Ethiopian embassy in Nairobi where celebration of the 19th anniversary of the May 28 Victory Day held, a day that heralded the fall down of the dictatorial Dergue regime in 1991.
According to a statement by the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diplomats and employees of Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi have celebrated the May 28 victory day .Higher level Kenyan government officials, diplomatic community and Ethiopians residing in Kenya took part in the celebration.
Ethiopian Ambassador to Kenya, Disasa Diribsa to his part said that the Ethiopian government has given due attention to making the economic growth sustainable citing to the double-digit economic growth registered during the past 7 year in a row.
He said Ethiopia works together with neighboring countries and the international community in the efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
FM Moses Wetang’ula expressed commitment of his country to further strengthen cooperation with Ethiopia.
“Kenya doesn’t see Ethiopia just as a neighbor country but as a close ally in terms of sharing strategic plans and also an important partner in trade and investment.”
Addis Ababa will be linked with a new standard gauge (SG) railway line with coastal town of Lamu, Kenya and Juba, Southern Sudan.
The railway first line will connect the Kenyan northern border town of Garissa with Addis Ababa while the other will connect another Kenyan coastal town Lamu to Juba through Garissa.
Ethiopia has already found the funds to build the railway that stretches from Addis Ababa to the border town of Moyale. The Kenyan minister said the construction of the remaining rail way line which runs Moyale- lamu will be the responsibility of the Kenyan government. He further said that Kenya is building port in Lamu which will mainly be serving Ethiopia.
(ST)