ADDIS ABABA – Prime Minster Dr. Abiy Ahmed offered his wholehearted appreciation to Italian counterpart for his government to support financially and technically the future Addis Ababa- Massawa railway project.
In a joint Press Conference with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte yesterday in Rome, Dr.Abiy said his government welcomed Italians’ initiatives on strengthening the regional economic integration. As to him, Italy has also promised to extend support in the rehabilitation efforts of Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers that are going to be demobilized soon.
On the occasion, it was noted that Italy would establish modern bakery for students in Addis Ababa apart from contributing its role in beautifying the African Capital. Earlier, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in his second meeting with development partners.
During the meeting, IFAD President Houngbo appreciated the Premier for his courage and the changes that he has introduced this far. The Premier also highlighted the need for strengthening irrigation and food security interventions.
IFAD’s support to Ethiopia, which is the largest portfolio in Africa, is anchored in the Government’s commitment to the poorest communities through enhancing the productivity of smallholder farmers, pastoralists and agropastoralists. Both agreed to continue building on the performance of Ethiopia in addressing the need of poor communities through IFAD’s and the Government’s collaboration in medium scale irrigation and rural financing.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abiy also met with World Food Program (WFP) Executive Director David Beasley. WFP has been playing a critical role in supporting the Government to address food security, nutrition and capacity building interventions which Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed acknowledged. WFP will strengthen its support and commitment to Ethiopia’s development endeavors, the Executive Director pledged. Continuing his meetings with development partners in Rome, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Food and Agriculture Organization Director General Jose Graziano da Silva.
The Director General appreciated the role being played by Ethiopia in the Horn region noting that peace is an important pre-condition. He also particularly noted Dr. Abiy’s political leadership in facilitating the changes. For his part, the premier noted that regional integration is a priority for Ethiopia and therefore peace in the region as a critical foundation for realizing this goal. With regards to food security and agriculture, Dr. Abiy emphasized that the needs for small holder farmers in accessing market.
This therefore requires joint technical interventions, which both agreed to build on and strengthen the existing cooperation, he stated. During the visit, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy is expected to meet with various international development partners on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum that will be opened today in Davos, Switzerland, where he is also scheduled to address global leaders.
Herald January 22/2019
BY BILAL DERSO
