Ethio-South Africa Relations Said Growing Steadily

Ethiopia and South Africa are fostering their cooperation by strengthening economic and business relations, Ethiopia's Ambassador to South Africa said.

Ethiopian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in South Africa, Mulugela Kelil Beshir, told ENA that the bilateral ties of the countries serves as a stepping stone to the prospects of South African investment in Ethiopia.

According to him, the trade relation between South Africa and Ethiopia has grown both in value and volume from 42 million USD in 2004 to 95 million USD in 2011.

Ethiopia exports various products such as dried kidney beans, white pea beans, coffee, roses, ginger, leather and semi-manufactured gold to South Africa, while it imports coal, petroleum, medicine, explosives and vehicles, he added.

South Africa's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Ethiopia, N. N. Ntshinga said on his part the bilateral relation of the countries which is based on the spirit of Pan-Africanism and on African brotherhood has steadily been growing.

Both countries are committed to the consolidation of the African Agenda and the centrality of NEPAD in the continent's efforts to deal with the twin challenges of poverty and underdevelopment, Ntshinga noted.

He stated that they have also been working closely in areas of peace and stability in Africa in general and in Somalia and Sudan in particular. There is every reason to believe that this cooperation will indeed continue with added vigor in other areas of common interest such as security and climate change as well, the ambassador indicated.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines touched down yesterday at the Cape Town International Airport for its inaugural flight to Cape Town.

Over 500 Ethiopians living in Cape Town and other parts of South Africa welcomed the maiden flight.

During the occasion, Ethiopian Airlines Marketing Vice-President, Rahel Assefa said "we are very pleased to spread our wings to Cape Town and Gaborone. Our new flights will give our customers more and convenient connectivity options when traveling within, to and from the continent. We will continue to expand our reach in our home market in Africa with a view to supporting the continent's socio-economic integration and development."

"The new route makes provision for flights to Cape Town, offering passengers from the world choicer and flexibility, and makes especial opportunity for both countries to facilitate trade, investment, and tourism ties between Ethiopia and the two countries," she added.