State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hirut Zemene bade farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of New Zealand, Bruce Sheperd today (November 15) during which the departing Ambassador underscored the noteworthy efforts of the Ethiopian government in further enhancing the significant development in the country; be it economic or political.

Praising the departing Ambassador for his unrelenting efforts in further scaling up the relation between the two countries Mrs. Hirut noted on the huge cooperation potential in agriculture, trade, New Zealand’s reputable expertise on dairy production, and encouraging initiatives the two countries underway on the areas as important signposts in forging the ties to a high gear.  The State Minister urged the need to further broaden and deepen the ties charting new areas of cooperation as; exchange of experiences in good governance, election, peace and security and global trade.  State Minister Hirut said New Zealand’s experience sharing has positively impacted Ethiopia in effectively fulfilling its duty as a non-permanent member at the UNSC. On June 2016, the then newly elected countries for UN Security Council’s non-permanent membership comprised of Ethiopia replaced the old members comprised of New Zealand, Spain, Malaysia, Angola and Venezuela.

Mrs. Hirut noted the strategic efforts her government has put in place to effectively carry out an all inclusive and constructive political reform. She has also agreed on the importance of working on a foreign ministries consultation meeting and exchange of high level visit previously suggested by the New Zealand side.

She also expressed the readiness of her Government to work closely with the newly appointed Ambassador of New Zealand to Ethiopia.

source mfa