DPM & FM Demeke receives special envoy of the President of ROK

Addis Ababa, October 20, 2023 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, conferred with South Korean President Special Envoy and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Bang Moon-Kyu, at his office today.

Demeke welcomed the Special Envoy and praised the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and the Republic of South Korea. Having lauded the historical relations between the two countries, Demeke congratulated South Korea for its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council effective from 2024.

Recalling the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Korea, the Special Envoy expressed his honour to visit Ethiopia.

He came with high-level delegation composed of the Vice President of the Korean Import and Export Exim Bank, representatives of LG Company, and other textile and chemical companies. He also expressed his country’s desire to invest in Ethiopia in various fields.

The Special Envoy pointed out that the Korean Import and Export Exim Bank would avail USD900 million low interest and long-term loan to Ethiopia. The South Korean delegation also inked cooperation agreement with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration earlier today.

The Special Envoy delivered the message of the President of Republic of Korea to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inviting him to attend the upcoming Korean African Summit which would take place in Seoul in 2024.

In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke reaffirmed Ethiopia’s desire to further scale up the bilateral relations in investment and trade sectors.