State Minister Ambassador Taye received credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Netherlands, Mr Bengt van Loosdrecht on Thursday (August 25, 2016).
Discussions focused on strengthening friendship and bilateral ties between the two countries as well as cementing multi-lateral cooperation in far-flung frontiers. The discussions also focused on widening and enhancing partnerships in areas including trade, investment, migration, floriculture and horticulture, food processing and development cooperation among others.
Wishing a vibrant diplomatic tenure for the new Ambassador, State Minister Ambassador Taye emphasized that the historic, long–standing and excellent ties between the two countries have expanded more recently.
The State Minister commended the engagement of the Netherlands in Ethiopia’s development sector. Underling on the need to further strengthen consultation and cooperation, State Minister Taye said the two countries will work more closely in the years to come.
Mr Bengt van Loosdrecht on his part praised Ethiopia’s active role in the development and diplomatic arena. The Ambassador said the Netherlands is keen to work closely with Ethiopia in areas of trade, development, and migration along with other cooperation in multi-lateral fora.
The Ambassador said Ethiopia and the Netherlands have a lot to exchange and work together in economic, social and political spheres. Ethiopia is due to host the next political consultation, it was learnt.
Currently, there are about 130 Dutch companies in Ethiopia, like Heineken, a company with considerable investments in the country. (Source: MFA Ethiopia)
