DPM & FM Demeke discusses with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation CEO

Addis Ababa, September 19, 2023 (FBC) – Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, conferred with Mark Suzman, Chief Executive Officer of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

In the course of their discussion, DPM & FM Demeke commended the partnership between Ethiopia and the Foundation.

Demeke said it is high time to support Ethiopia, which is consolidating peace after the Pretoria peace deal and implementing the ten-year development plan.

Ethiopia has continued to register robust economic growth, demonstrating strong national resilience, Demeke noted.

He highlighted the bumper wheat production and bounty of the basket initiatives as successful national flagship projects.

Normalization with bilateral and multilateral development partners is also promising, and Ethiopia will continue to intensify its positive engagements, he said.

Mark Suzman, on his part, said the foundation has the strongest and most important partnership with Ethiopia in health, agriculture, and digital finance, among others.

He expressed the unwavering commitment of his foundation to work with Ethiopia and agreed to further intensify the partnership in line with Ethiopia’s development goals.