Addis Ababa: Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie said the decision to construct a new building demonstrated Switzerland's determination to further strengthen its long-term relationship with Ethiopia. Foreign Minister, Taye Atske-Selassie and Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis have laid a cornerstone for the construction of the new Embassy of Switzerland in Addis Ababa today. At the cornerstone laying ceremony, Foreign Minister, Taye Atske-Selassie said that the Ethiopian government attached strong significance to the relationship with Switzerland. Thus,Taye reiterated that the decision to construct a new building signals Switzerland's determination to further strengthen its long-term relationship with Ethiopia. 'I was stunned to realize that the new building has a mix of architectural concepts and I'm happy to note that it will have a footprint of one of the most outstanding historical houses that is somewhere in the northern Addis Ababa palace called Sheik Ojele Palace.' Moreover, he added that the const ruction of a new structure is a practical demonstration of Addis Ababa as a diplomatic hub. The Foreign Minister of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis said on his part that the construction of a new embassy is a manifestation of what importance Switzerland attaches to Ethiopia. "We are very proud that we are able to mark this moment by a new building, investing in a new country, in Ethiopia, in Addis Ababa.It's an important evidence of willingness to strengthen our relations,' he assured. Source: Ethiopian News Agency