Prime Minister Meles said the three-day official visit to Israel has created conducive atmosphere for strengthening the bilateral cooperation existing between the two countries during a press conference given to Journalists in Tel Aviv on June 3, 2004.
The Prime Minister said the two countries had signed agreements in the areas of economic, trade investment and cultural development as well as on avoidance of double taxation over the last couple of years. Meles visited the Israeli Agriculture Research Organization found in Tel Aviv and it exchanged views with the executives of the organization on issues of researches.
Meles also visited a Farmers Cooperative called "Beit-Hanan Moshav OVdim LTD", a collective Agricultural Workers' Settlement, which runs a watermelon plantation.
Meles was also briefed by the executives of the Hebrew University, where several Ethiopians are pursuing their education. Meles extended his invitation to his counterpart Ariel Sharon and former Israeli Prime Minister and the current labor Party Chairman Shimon Peres to pay a visit to Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, many Israeli private companies expressed their readiness to invest in Ethiopia in the leather, textile and agricultural sectors. In a discussion, the owners of the companies held with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi during his visit to Israel, they are keen to invest in Ethiopia due to conducive investment atmosphere in the country. (ENA- June 05,2004)

Deputy Prime Minister visits China and Vietnam

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Addisu Legese said Ethiopia could learn from China's experience in developing the national economy. Addisu said the bilateral agricultural exchange and cooperation would push forward the overall relationship of the two countries.
Addisu made the remark during a discussion held with the Chinese Vice Premier, Hui Liangyu on May 13, 2004. The Chinese Vice Premier said on his part that the two countries have well cooperated with each other in agricultural exchange. Hui said China kept rapid economic growth, increased its national strength and enriched its people in the past quarter century.
Hui said agriculture is the basis for the national economy as well as state stability. The Chinese government is also determined to develop modern agriculture, expand the rural economy, help increase the income of rural people and build well-off society in rural China, Hui said. During his stay in China, the delegation led by Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development also met and discussed bilateral technical cooperation with Ministers of Agricultural and Resources, State Poverty Alleviation and Development Office and State Administration of Forestry of China. The Deputy Prime Minister apart from exchange of the Chinese experience in those sectors also made a field trip to provinces to witness the development activites undertaken at the grassroot level.
Meanwhile, Mr. Addisu Legesse in his visit to Vietnam met and held discussions with his Vietnamese counter part Le Huy Ngo in Ha Noi on ways to further expand agricultural cooperation between the two countries. The two sides talked about the exchange of experts and cooperation in the farming technique on the growing of coffee, tropical vegetables and animal husbandry.
They also agreed to work together to map out food security plan for Ethiopia and cooperate with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to realize tripartite Ethiopia- FAO-Vietnam cooperation programs.

Capacity Building Minister Visits China

Capacity Building Minister Tefera Waluwa said Africans could draw a great lesson from the experience of China that has managed to extricate itself from poverty and bring about sustainable development in a period of 25 years with its 1.3 billion population. Tefera said the cooperation and friendly relations between Africa and China should further be strengthened.
Tefera, who visited China heading a high-level Ethiopian delegation since May 18, 2004, made the statement in a speech he delivered at a reception organized in connection with of the 50th founding anniversary of Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. He called on Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Africa seizing the opportunity created by the Sino-Africa Cooperation Agreement for the mutual benefit of China and Africa.
During its stay in China, the Ethiopian delegation held talks with officials of Ministry of Information Industry, Ministry of Education, State Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Construction on issues of human resources development related to the Technical and Vocational Education, Construction and other sectors. The delegation also made field visits to Shanghai city.

Seyoum Holds Talk with Saudi Officials

Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin who led a high-level Ethiopian delegation to Saudi Arabia on a two-day working visit returned home. During his stay in Saudi Arabia, Seyoum met and held talks with Saudi King, Fuad Bin Abdul Aziz and first deputy prime minister and the defence and aviation minister, Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz.
Seyoum also held talks with Saudi Crown, Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, Foreign Minister Prince Saud Bin Al Faisal and Minister of Finance and National Income, Dr. Ibrahim Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Asaaf, among other high-level officials of that country. The two parities recognized the need to bring the governments and peoples of the two countries closer together with cooperation in various fields.
Discussions between the Ethiopian and Saudi delegations also focused on the enhancement of the historical relations between the two countries, cooperation in the fields of trade and investment as well as the issues of regional peace and stability. (ENA - April 20,2004)

Ethiopian Peacekeeping Contingent Discharing Duty Effectively
The Ministry of Defense says the Ethiopian peacekeeping contingent in Liberia has been discharing its duty effectively and efficiently. The peacekeeping brigade has come in full control of most of the seven major regions where it has been assigned to carry out it peacekeeping duty. The Brigade Commander Brigadier General Kemal Gulchu said. During an entertainment the contingent organized in connection with Easter in the presence of Liberians, Brigadier General Kemal said the support being provided by Liberians to the Ethiopian contingent's mission there was encouraging.
The Ethiopian peacekeeping contingent has been working with Liberians in a strong sense of brotherhood in its mission entrusted to it by the African Union (AU), he said. He said, in the contingent's mission areas in Liberia, enabling atmosphere has been created for dislocated Liberians to reintegrate with their families leading peaceful lives and for them to contribute in the rebuilding of their nation. Donor organizations have entered the Ethiopian contingent's realm where the mission carried out the work of ensuring peace and stability in Liberia and have been providing support for needy Liberians, he said, adding registration for disarmament, one of the duty entrusted to the Ethiopian brigade, has got underway. Liberians during the entertainment have expressed joy over the presence of the Ethiopian peacekeeping contingent in their midst and vowed to work in cooperation with the Ethiopian mission to bring about dependable and sustainable peace in their country. (ENA - April 20,2004 )

Human Rights Commission, Ombudsman to Start Work

The Human Rights Commission and Ombudsman institutions will begin work during the current Ethiopian year, Speaker of the House of Peoples Representative said. Dawit Yohannes said that preparations to launch the two institutions are finalized after long overdue.
He said the House has finalized work on identifying candidates for the Commission after it received over 300 candidates for the Commission and over 200 for the Ombudsman and will soon endorse the remaining undertakings of the two bodies.
The speaker said the two bodies would begin their job and finalize reorganizing their working mechanisms before the end of the Ethiopian year. (WIC - April 08,2004)

International Community to Support Dialogues should Resolve Ethio-Eritrea Dispute

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has called on the international community to support the resolution of the Ethio-Eritrean dispute through dialogues. After holding talks with the visiting European Union (EU) delegation Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia embraces the resolution passed by the UN Security Council to resolve the dispute. Ireland Foreign Minister who is also President of the EU Council of Ministers Brian Cowen led the EU delegation. Prime Minister Meles expressed hope that the EU will hold a committed stand related to the Security Council's resolution.
Meles said Ethiopia will remain committed for dialogues in the peaceful resolution of the Ethio-Eritrea dispute. Brian Cowen on his part said he discussed with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on the mission of Lloid Axworthy -Canadian former foreign minister who is appointed by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan - to facilitate dialogues. Cowen said he held constructive and fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and indicated that he was informed that Ethiopia will give priority to peaceful consultations to resolve the problem.
The EU Council of Ministers President said he will report this of Ethiopian stand to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Ethiopia holds a strong commitment to peaceful resolution of the dispute through dialogue as the government believes peaceful resolution will be to the benefits of both countries. The Algiers Peace Accord stipulates the need to resolve the Ethio-Eritrean dispute through peaceful means, for which Ethiopia has always stands firmly committed. (ENA - April 07,2004)

Ethiopia, Sudan Agree to Consolidate Cooperation

Ethiopia and the Sudan have agreed to take constructive measures that could enable their peoples to benefit from the cross border trade and the prevalence of peace and security. The sides reached the agreement at the 7th Ethio-Sudan boundary development commission meeting held in Senar, Sudan.
Ethiopia and the Sudan have also agreed to consolidate their cooperation in the agriculture and health sectors. Chief Administrator of the Tigray State Tsegaye Berhe led the Ethiopian delegation while the Sudanese delegation was led by Senar District Administrator Engineer Ahmed Abas Mohammed, it said. Chief Administrator of the Benshangul-Gumuz State Yaregal Aysheshum and members of the Amhara State Government have also attended the meeting that was held from 27-29 March 2004, the release said. (ENA - April 1,2004)

Pan African Parliament Established

The Pan-African Parliament was inaugurated on March 18, 2004 in Addis Ababa where the Headquarters of the African Union is based. The establishment of the parliament is said to be a landmark step to usher in a new era of solidarity, socio-economic and political integration of the countries in the continent.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony held at the UN Conference Center, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Alpha Omar Konare said the realization of the parliament is the result of the vital contributions of the African founding fathers who initiated the Organization of African Unity in Addis Ababa in 1963 and ardent supporters of Pan-Africanism in the world.
According to the Chairperson, the parliamentarians form the melting pot of all social strata of the poorest citizens and are expected to stand up against the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS, malaria and polio. Mr. Konare also called on the parliamentarians to work hand in hand and craft together a credible political road map for the union and to work out a solid multi-annual program inspired by the objectives of NEPAD.
Current Chairman of the African Union President Joaquim Alberot Chissano said, on his part, that the realization of the establishment of the parliament is a step further in the context of the profound ongoing changes in Africa that ensures full participation of African peoples in the economic development and integration of the continent.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi lauded on the occasion the establishment of the Pan-African Parliament as a new chapter in the history of the countries in that it is the first step in bringing continental unity closer to Africa. However arduous the task of ensuring effective functioning of the Africa Union is, it is bound to be as Africans have no choice but to do whatever is in their power to make it a realization of common aspiration which is also a viable means of tackling poverty in the continent, Meles stressed. (WIC - March 18,2004)

Ethiopia, South Africa Sign Agreements

Ethiopia and South Africa signed general cooperation and double taxation avoidance agreements which are believed to be instrumental in opening door for various areas of cooperation and exploring the comparative advantages in trade exchanges.
The agreements were signed by Foreign Ministers Seyoum Mesfin and Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma following talks on a wide range of issues of bilateral relations and cooperation. After signing the agreements, the two ministers told reporters that the two countries were desirous of further consolidating their cooperation in various areas for mutual benefits.
The two ministers indicated that their discussion had enabled them to identify areas of cooperation in education, science and technology, land and air transport, capacity building, finance and service, among others. The general cooperation agreement also created a legal framework for regular consultations between the two countries, Foreign Minister Seyoum said, "It has led us to the establishment of a joint ministerial commission to look into all areas of cooperation," he added.
The agreement on double taxation avoidance would create conducive environment for the undertakings of the business communities of the two countries, Dr. Dlamini Zuma said. She further said that the two agreed to consolidate their embassies to pave the way for diversified areas of cooperation. (EH - March 18, 2004)

Egypt Keen to Consolidate Cooperation with Ethiopia

Ethiopia and Egypt should consolidate their multi faceted cooperation to use the Nile River for the mutual benefit of their peoples, Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Ebeid said.
During talks held in Cairo with the visiting Ethiopian delegation led by Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Standing Committee of the House of Peoples' Representatives Haile-Kiros Gessesse, the Prime Minister said the two countries should hold discussions on the use of the river as it has a significant contribution in their relations. Ethiopia and Egypt should work through the joint commission of the two countries for a fair distribution of the Nile waters, he said. The Prime Minister said Egypt would cooperate with Ethiopia in agriculture development, offering training, ground water utilization and construction of higher bridges, among others. (ENA - March 13,2004)

German Parliament Praises Ethiopia's Development

The parliament (Bundesstage) of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland) says that it appreciates the socio-economic and political reforms Ethiopia is making in the past few years. Mr. Thilo Hoppe, Mr.Sigmud Ehrmann, Mrs.Anke Eymer and Mr.UIrich Heinrich, members of the Bundestag made the remark at the parliament during talks with their Ethiopian counterparts.
"We really appreciate the reforms made in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa and Ghana. We see here lots of improvements. Your commitment to NEPAD and IGAD is immense," Mr. Thilo Hoppe, Spokes person for Bundestag Development Policy said, indicating thereby that Ethiopia and Germany are just to celebrate their centennial very shortly.
The Ethio- German Friendship Committee led by Ato Abedulkerim Ahmed was able to cater the questions and concerns of the German parliament. During the discussion, Dr. Petros Olango; Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives briefed the delegation about the Ethiopian parliament structure.
Asked about the Ethio-Eritrean conflict, Dr. Petros reiterated that the Boundary Commission decided in favor of Eritrea without considering facts on the ground .Areas that have never ever been part of Eritera were taken and given arbitrarily to that country, he said, "We are requesting the UNSC and the international community to put pressure for comprehensive dialogues that can go beyond plots of lands," he said. The Ethiopian Government according to him is eager and ready to negotiate for sustainable peace.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said that his country's commitment to the Principles peace and stability in Africa enjoys the support of the international community. The minister noted that his country is committed to peace and stability in the sub-region. Noting that Ethiopia and Germany share a number of common interests he said, that international community, whatever the decision of the border Commission could be, need to support the Ethio-Eritrean peace process end with peaceful dialogue.

Ethiopia Benefits From ACP-EU

Ethiopia has been one of the beneficiary states of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific-European Union (ACP-EU) member countries for the last thirty years, Ethiopian Ambassador to EU, Berhane Gebre-Kristos said in a press briefing. Ambassador Berhane said the country has secured significant economic and humanitarian assistance in accordance with the expired Lome Convention and the new Cotonou Agreement.
The 9th European Development Fund has entitled Ethiopia a 530 million Euro development assistance for the years 2002-2007,he said, adding that efforts were being exerted to get the money released soon and utilize it for road construction, food security, health and education projects. Ambassador Berhane also said the EU has in its 'Everything but Arms' policy allowed the import of products from ACP countries free of tax and tariff. As per the new Cotonou Agreement, development assistance would be provided on performance based basis rather than aid allocation entitlements, he added. There has been good cooperation between ACP and EU countries and parliaments, the Secretary General said, adding that the ACP-EU countries have been able to put in place a system that would facilitate close collaboration. (EH - 11February)