Foreign Minister Dr. Tedros Adhanom met with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini Tuesday.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mogherini is on a visit to Ethiopia as part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of EU-Ethiopia relations. She noted that the relations between EU and Ethiopia these days encompasses humanitarian, developmental, and political spheres as well as peace and security.
She stressed EU's desire to further invest in its relationship with Ethiopia, noting in particular the importance of putting in place a mechanism for high-level political dialogue. Discussing the current humanitarian situation in drought-affected areas in Ethiopia, Mogherini expressed EU's readiness to support the efforts of the Ethiopian Government. In relation to business and economy, Mogherini noted that "EU is a top trade partner with Ethiopia and we wish to see it grow even more."
She suggested hosting an Ethiopia-EU business forum. She also emphasized EU's interest to work with Ethiopia on climate change for the upcoming Paris Climate Change Conference of Parties.
With regard to migration and mobility, Mogherni indicated that EU firmly believes that the upcoming Valeta Conference would have an important role to define the structures and institutions of Africa and Europe and design effective intervention to tackle illegal migration.
She also noted the EU's desire to work with Ethiopia on supporting returnees, dismantling human trafficking networks and organizing awareness-creation programmes.
Dr. Tedros thanked the EU for its support to Ethiopia's peace and security efforts in Somalia, in South Sudan and the region in general.
Though Ethiopia enjoys strong trade partnership with the EU, Dr. Tedros said much remains to be done and welcomed the idea of hosting a business forum. He also thanked the EU for its 745 million Euro support and emphasized the need for EU to consider support for Ethiopia's major projects.
The Minister also discussed Ethiopia's challenges in regulating migration as it is a country of origin, transit and destination. He welcomed EU's desire to support Ethiopia's efforts to address the root cause of migration and the fight against poverty. He also noted that Ethiopia's National Council Against Human Trafficking was working on addressing attitudinal problems by creating awareness of the dangers of illegal migration.
The Minister pointed out that Ethiopia was pushing hard to create jobs through increasing productivity and small-holder farmers, and strengthening micro-finance institutions.
Source: AllAfrica
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