Ethiopia is keen to further boost its bilateral ties with Italy-PM Abiy Ahmed

Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia is keen to further boost its bilateral ties with Italy at a State dinner hosted in honor of the visiting Italian Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, at the National palace later on Thursday (October 11). The Premier said, “We had fruitful discussions on ways of expanding our cooperation in areas of investment, trade and infrastructure,” underling the need to explore finance for the infrastructure undergoing in the country.

Prime Minister Dr. Abiy further said Ethiopia and Italy have been working together to restore peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing peace could be achieved through economic integration of the region. In such score, he urged the government of Italy to support the ongoing peace and cooperation among countries in the region.

Prime Minister of Italy Mr. Giuseppe Conte, on his side commended the people and government of Ethiopia for the warm welcome accorded to his delegation. He said “Ethiopia is the pillar of peace and stability in Africa.” He also thanked Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed for the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea and its peace dividend to the region, commending again the government of Ethiopia for massive socio-economic and political reforms. Italy, he said, would like to support and encourage these reforms.”

Prime Minister Mr. Conte said that Italy is the first country which officially commenced diplomatic relations with Ethiopia and further stressed that community of Italy residing in Ethiopia has been contributing to the ongoing socio-economic development of the country. The Premier underlined the need to further strengthen its bilateral ties with Ethiopia through mutual cooperation. Premier Conte extended his invitation to Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed to visit Italy next year. According to Ethiopian Foreign Ministry