The European Union (EU) Commissioner for International Partnership, Jutta Urpilainen said Ethiopia is a strategic partner for the European Union.
EU Commissioner for International Partnership, Jutta Urpilainen is in Addis Ababa for a working visit to Ethiopia.
Ethiopia's Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide held discussion with the commissioner this morning on ranges of issues with a view to strengthening bilateral relations between Ethiopia and EU.
Briefing the media after the discussion, Jutta said "we have discussed on bilateral cooperation between the government of Ethiopia as well as the European Union."
Noting Ethiopia is a strategic partner for the European Union she said, adding "today we are able to take an important step forward."
Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide said on his part "we had very extensive discussions in terms of bilateral engagement."
EU is a very important strategic development partner, which has been supporting the development of Ethiopia in various areas of growth, social development, and other development programs, he added.
The Commissioner is expected to meet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other government officials to discuss ways to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
As part the visit, Ethiopia and the EU are expected to sign a 650 million euros cooperation agreement.
According to the commissioner, the agreement is an important step which enables the two sides use budget support in the future.
She said that human development, peace building, governance, democratization as well as the implementation of Pretoria peace agreement through the national dialogue and transitional justice are the proprieties of EU in its cooperation with Ethiopia.
Recalled the EU Commissioner had discussed with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, on the sidelines of the 78th UNGA, in New York on September 20/2023.
During the occasion, the commissioner commended the progress that has been registered so far in consolidating peace in Ethiopia.
She also stated that the EU attaches special value to its cooperation with Ethiopia and appreciates the huge political commitment of the Ethiopian Government.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency