India, Ethiopia agree to step up cooperation in science, agriculture and education

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with his Ethiopian counterpart Meles Zenawi in Addis Ababa on May 25, 2011.

India and Ethiopia today decided to enhance their cooperation in a number of areas, including sectors such as science & technology, agricultural research, education and information technology.

At the end of talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Ethiopian counterpart Meles Zenawi in Addis Ababa, the two sides concluded agreements in the area of taxation and small and medium enterprises, which will bring benefits to business communities on both sides.

"We are very satisfied with the progress in our relations in recent years. Our talks today have laid a solid foundation for closer political understanding and deepening of our economic exchanges in the coming years," Dr Singh told mediapersons after the meeting.

Dr Singh, who is making his first visit to Ethiopia and also the first Indian Prime Minister to visit that country, pointed out that the two countries had enjoyed historically close links.

He noted that Ethiopia was an influential member of the world community whose voice is heard with great respect in Africa.

"Ethiopia’s economic performance, political stability and democratic polity are examples worthy of emulation by other developing countries," he said.

Dr Singh said India had tried to assist in Ethiopia's development through capacity building support and offers of lines of credit of more than $ 700 million during the last five years.

He said India would further enhance scholarships, training programmes and slots under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme for Ethiopia.

He conveyed to Mr Zenawi India's decision to extend an additional line of credit of $ 300 million for a regional integration project as committed to the African Union for a new Ethiopia-Djibouti railway.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of common interest. They noted that piracy had emerged as a major threat to international trade and commerce and stressed the need to coordinate actions closely to combat the menace.

Dr Singh and Mr Zenawi discussed the situation in Africa, the challenges facing the continent and the importance of India and Ethiopia working together for a better life for their peoples.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Ethiopian counterpart Meles Zenawi, at the delegation level talks, in Addis Ababa on May 25, 2011.

Mr Zenawi was appreciative of India's engagement and partnership with Africa under the platform of the Africa India Forum Summit.

"This is indeed a unique initiative which will benefit both India and Africa. Our relations with Ethiopia serve as a model for this broader partnership," Dr Singh said.

"My visit to Ethiopia has laid a solid foundation for building a closer partnership between our two countries. I look forward to continuing my dialogue with the Prime Minister, for which I have invited him to visit India," he added.

NNN