Ethiopia, Turkey vow to enhance cooperation

Addis Ababa, February 15, 2021 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, while inaugurating Ethiopian Embassy in Ankara, said the construction of the embassy signifies the longstanding relationship between Ethiopia and Turkey, and symbolizes a great accomplishment of both countries.

The Foreign Minister extended gratitude all those who contributed to the successful completion of the construction of the embassy headquarters.

“The embassy will not have only the sole purpose of being a place where diplomats come to work, rather it will also be a place where the two countries promote their cultures and draw their peoples together.”, he said.

The Deputy Premier added saying: “It is my hope that the embassy will serve as a good step forward towards enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two countries.”

Ethiopia and Turkey have been enjoying an all-weather friendship and all-round cooperation. The growth momentum of the Ethio-Turkish strategic partnership has strengthen the relationship of the two countries and brought them together, Demeke stressed.

Over the years, the two governments have exchanged numerous high level visits that produced very important outcomes which helped to expedite the development of join cooperation on both sides.

Ethiopia is ready to deepen the all-round cooperation with Turkey. We like to work more closely with Turkey to overcome and alleviate poverty in Ethiopia. To this and, my government encourages more credible and competent companies of Turkey to come and invest in Ethiopia, he noted.

Today’s inauguration adds an impetus to relationship of the two countries so that their cooperation will achieve success, he added.

The relashionship of Ethiopia and Turkey will not only benefit the two coutries and their people but also benefits the development of the whole region, Demeke underlined.

“I believe that with our joint efforts the time-tested Ethio-Turkish all-weather will have a brighter future”, he said.

He called up on both countries saying “Let us build together a community of common development and community of common prosperity.”

Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, to his part, said Turkey would continue to support Ethiopia and other African countries in their fight against terrorism as well.

Cavusoglu underlined that as a country that has been fighting terrorism for many years, Turkey understands the struggle of African countries against terrorism.

Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu further recalled that Ethiopia is one of the investment destinations for Turkish investors in Africa, where his country’s investment stands the second largest in Ethiopia.

The Turkish foreign minister concluded his remarks reiterating his countries keen interest to further cement relationships with Ethiopia.

The two countries are commemorating the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Turkey.