Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, earlier today, received at his office a high-level delegation led by the President of the Horn of Africa Friendship Group of the Parliament of France, Senator Hugues Saury.
During the talks, Minister Taye, while reiterating the longstanding diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and France, commended the strong ties between the sisterly countries in the areas of development cooperation, trade, investment and culture.
He also mentioned the fact that, the Horn of Africa commands the attention of various actors due to its key geostrategic locus and geopolitical significance.
Ambassador Taye also noted, Ethiopia as a country with a fast-growing population and ever-expanding economy it is imperative that it guarantees a sustainable access to the sea through give and take and peaceful means to meet the rising demands of its citizens.
Speaking of the post-ATMIS scenario in neighbouring Somalia, the Minister briefed the delegation on the need to careful
ly consider the possible deployment of a multinational peace-keeping force in the country.
President of Horn of Africa Friendship Group of the Parliament of France, on his part said, Ethiopia is an anchor state that continues to play a pivotal role in regional and continental affairs of shared importance.
He added, respective governments need to work closely to further enhance the bilateral relations between France and Ethiopia.
Senator Saury is the Secretary of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces of the Senate of the French Republic.
The French Delegation led by Saury included France Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ambassador Alexis Lamek, Friendship group with the Horn of Africa Vice-President, Senator Raphaël Daubet, Friendship group with the Horn of Africa Vice-President, Senator Laurence Harribey, Friendship group with the Horn of Africa Secretary, Xavier Dupriez and First secretary Charlelie Marie.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency
