France pledges technical assistance to forthcoming national dialogue in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, March 10, 2022 (FBC) – The French Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rémi Maréchaux gave a press briefing to the media upon the 125th Anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between Ethiopia and France.

Saying that Ethiopia and France have a historical and longstanding partnership, the Ambassador added that the ties between the two nations is not restricted only to diplomatic sphere but also ranges to strong people to people relationship.

France is currently investing more than 438 Euro in Ethiopia through several projects. Besides, 58 French companies in Ethiopia have facilitated jobs for more than 5,000 citizens, the Ambassador added.

Recalling that his country extended 8 million Euro to Ethiopia in support of people affected by the conflict last year, the Ambassador stated that additional 10 million Euro has been provided to the country this year.

France is also providing Ethiopia with COVID 19 vaccines, and undertaking renovation works on the world heritage site of Lalibela Rock Hewn Churches in Amhara Region.

France is ready to provide technical assistance to Ethiopia in the national dialogue process although Government has not yet expressed interest to this end, the Ambassador stated.The relationship between Ethiopia and France started when Emperor Menelik and the French delegation signed the first agreement in 1997 to cooperate in the education, railway construction, music and film industry.