Ethiopia, Malta keen on cementing ties in trade, investment sectors

Addis Ababa, July 20, 2022 (FBC) – Deputy prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen met today (July 20) with the Ambassador of the Republic of Malta in Addis Ababa, Ronald Micallef.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister appreciated the government of Malta for recently opening its embassy in Ethiopia which paved the way to further deepen ties between the two countries.

Noting that Malta is a gateway between Africa and Europe, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister stressed the need to explore the potentials of both countries for mutual benefits.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also congratulated the Republic of Malta on joining the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for 2023/24. He expressed hope that Malta would play a positive role in world peace and stability during its mandate in the Security Council.

Ambassador Micallef, for his part, reiterated that his country views Ethiopia as one of the vital nations in Africa, which is reflected through the opening of its embassy in Addis Ababa.

He noted that the two countries would reap benefits through bolstering their economic and development cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and education.

Ethiopia and Malta have diplomatic relations dating back to the 1970s, although both countries established official relations when Malta opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in 2021.