Ethiopia has achieved significant diplomatic successes in safeguarding its national interests in the concluded Ethiopian fiscal year (EFY), according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Briefing the media on the performance of 2016 today, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Nebiyu Tedla said Ethiopia has carried out various achievements at bilateral and multilateral arenas.
During the stated period, a lot of efforts have been exerted to augment Ethiopia’s cooperation with neighboring countries based on common interests.
For instance, he explained that 12 agreements have been signed to forge Ethiopia’s relations with neighboring countries on various spheres, including tourism and transport, among others.
On the other hand, the spokesperson stated that Ethiopia has actively reflected its positions in different forums and the decisions passed have made it possible for Ethiopia to protect its national interests.
Nebiyu also recalled the several visits made and agreements signed by high-ranking leaders in the fiscal yea
r in order to strengthen Ethiopia’s bilateral and multilateral diplomatic relations.
More than 71 agreements have been signed that have made it possible to bring Ethiopia’s national interests to a better level through visits conducted by leaders and ministers, he added.
According to the spokesperson, Ethiopia’s joining the BRICS is the biggest success in the multilateral diplomacy in concluded fiscal year.
With respect to investment, 507 foreign investors have made a pre-investment visit, it was learned.
The spokesperson said that 18 joint ventures have been created with foreign investors in the fiscal year.
Moreover, diplomatic success has been registered in reducing loans, debt treatment and extension of repayment period.
More than 114 market linkages were also created to promote Ethiopian products to the world.
Above all, the fiscal year was the time when Ethiopia expressed its rightful request to access the sea, Nebiyu noted.
He also touched on activities that have been carried out to protect the
rights of citizens in the Middle East, Sudan, and other countries.
Over 40,000 people were repatriated from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and other countries, in the stated period.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency