Deputy Premier Demeke confers with UK Minister for Africa, James Duddridge

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2020 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen has conferred with UK Parliamentary Undersecretary of State and Minister for Africa James Duddridge on ways of bolstering bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom.

The deputy Premier has received the visiting UK Minister for Africa in his office today.

During their discussion, the two stressed mutual cooperation to curtail coronavirus pandemic in Ethiopia. Demeke expressed condolences over the passing away of thousands of UK citizens from coronavirus.

Demeke briefed the UK Minister on preventive measures the government of Ethiopia is taking to contain the pandemic.

Extending gratitude to UK for partnering with Ethiopia in development endeavors, the Deputy Premier informed James Duddridge about Ethiopia’s determined aspirations to plant five billion trees through its Green Legacy Initiative.

He also updated the UK Minister on developments of GERD tripartite negotiations and Ethiopia’s contributions to maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

Ethiopia and the United Kingdom (UK) have signed two grant agreements amounting to £105 million yesterday.