Italy’s Foreign Minister, Paolo Gentiloni, arrives in Addis Ababa for an official visit to Ethiopia. Foreign Minister Dr. Tedros extended a warm welcome to Paolo Gentolini upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, this afternoon (January 14, 2014). Paolo Gentiloni made Ethiopia its first stop in his tour to Africa. Following the welcoming ceremony, two Ministers held discussion on range of matters dwelling on multilateral, regional and bilateral issues of common interest. The two sides hailed the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and underlined the need to further deepen and broaden areas of cooperation for mutual benefit of the two peoples. Particularly, the two sides exchanged views on increasing trade and investment volumes and boosting economic cooperation between the two countries. Dr. Tedros emphasized that the trade and investment volume between the two countries should be enhanced complimenting the excellent bilateral relation in other areas of cooperation between the two countries. They also highlighted the need for strengthening partnership in realizing regional peace and stability. Dr. Tedros expressed his appreciation to Italy’s support to regional peace efforts as current chair of IGAD’s International partners Forum. Minister Paolo Gentiloni for his part expressed his admiration to Ethiopia’s dynamic role in stabilizing the Horn of Africa and active support to IGAD-led peace process in South Sudan and in defeating Al Shabaab in Somalia. He also noted Ethiopia’s significant role in combating terrorism within the sub-region. The two Ministers also underlined the need for strengthening cooperation in tackling challenges associated with migration and mobility of people. Upon the conclusion of the discussions, the two Ministers signed bilateral agreements, aimed at bolstering cooperation on Culture, education, art, scholarships, archives, museums libraries, archeology, conservation and protection of culture heritages.
Source: mfa.gov.et
