Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen discussed national and regional issues of common interest with US Senator, Mike Rounds, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Welcoming the US delegation led by Senator Rounds, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister appreciated their keen interest in Ethiopia.
He recalled the historic partnership that the two countries have and wished to revitalize the relations.
Demeke also called on the United States to lift Ethiopia’s suspension from the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) preferential free trade agreement.
He highlighted the importance of AGOA to Ethiopia’s economy in strengthening trade ties between the two nations.
The meeting also addressed the continued humanitarian assistance that the United States provides to Ethiopia, it was learned.
Given the diverse array of challenges and crises faced by Ethiopia, the provision of humanitarian aid assumes paramount importance, Demeke said.
The meeting between the two sides signifies the mutual interest in enhancing bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation between Ethiopia and the United States.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency