Addis Ababa, 6 September 2014 (WIC) – The relations between Ethiopia and the European Union (EU) have been showing significant growth as their friendship is based on mutual benefits and is strategic, Ethiopia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to EU said.
The envoy, Ambassador Teshome Toga, said that Ethio-EU relationship is based on mutual benefits and on strategic principles.
Ambassador Teshome, who pointed out the close working relationship Ethiopia has developed with the EU Commission and the EU Parliament, said the country has been receiving huge support from the union for its development activities.
He also said the trade relationship is strong and 40 percent of Ethiopia’s export goes to EU member countries while foreign direct investment flowing from the union to Ethiopia has also been increasing.
Ethiopia is benefiting from the development aid extended to 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, the envoy said, adding that the union would give additional 200 million Euros to Ethiopia for human rights and related issues through its development fund.
The support of the union to Ethiopia is strong and comprehensive as the EU appreciates the role Ethiopia has been playing in bringing about sustainable peace and stability to Africa in general and to East Africa in particular, Ambassador Teshome elaborated.
The peacekeeping role of Ethiopia in Somalia and South Sudan has for instance been winning support in various ways, he added.
According to the envoy, the European Union has allotted 745 million Euros that would be used for agriculture, food security, infrastructure building, education and healthcare from 2014 to 2020.
Out of the 28 EU member countries 20 have embassies in Addis Ababa. (ENA
