• Reveals resolve to boost defense capability
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia and France signed four bilateral agreements yesterday in areas that include heritage conservation, defense forces capacity building, financial aid in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The Premier greeted Macron who is in a-two day official state visit to Addis Ababa in the historic town of Lalibella Rock-Hewn churches. Later in the day, the two-leaders held joint press briefing in Addis Ababa in which the premier announced France’s interest to assist the defense forces by restoring the naval force and upgrading the air force.
Macron for his part also mentioned that both countries share similar vision in counter terrorism efforts and the assistances on defense forces would bring tangible results. The assistances are said to include supply of equipment and trainings to the forces. “We value Ethiopia’s role in ensuring peace and security and combating terrorism in the East Africa.” He said France is keen on brining troops to Ethiopia legally to offer trainings.
It also avails opportunities for training in France. Regarding financial aids, the president broke the news of an 85-million Euro concessional lone to Ethiopia. It grants additional 15 million Euro to support the ongoing reform efforts of Ethiopia which Macron described it as a great vision of the premier that his country shares.
The two countries also signed agreement to promote French Investment in Ethiopia. The president indicated that France anchor investors have already accompanied him and they would invest in various sectors here. He also indicated as a company that pours around 500 million Euro on geothermal energy production has shown desire to tap investment opportunities in Ethiopia.
The government of France has also shown increasing interest to rehabilitate Lalibela rock-hewn churches by granting assistances both in the form of finance and expertise. Hence the two countries have signed agreement on heritage conservation as well. Macron also met with President Sahlework Zewde.
The Ethiopian Herald, March 13/2019
BY WORKU BELACHEW
