Ethiopia, Slovenia to Open New Chapter in Diplomacy

Addis Ababa October 15/2018 Ethiopia and Slovenia have agreed to open new chapter in their diplomatic relations. President Mulatu Teshome and President Borut Pahor of Slovenia, who is in Ethiopia on a three-day official visit, have conferred at the National Palace today. Briefing journalists after the discussion, President Mulatu Teshome said Ethiopia and Slovenia have agreed to cooperate at regional and global levels. Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing nations in the world with attractive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), he said, adding his hope that Slovenian companies would make use of the comparative advantage the country offers. President Borut Pahor of Slovenia stated that Ethiopia is a gateway to Africa that would enable Slovenia to reach the continent. “It is a very historic moment for me as the first Slovenian president to visit Ethiopia,” Pahor said, pointing out that his country is searching possibilities to cement a multi-faceted relationship with Ethiopia. “We are looking for a new possibility of bilateral ties with Ethiopia for the coming years,” he stated. According to him, the current political aspiration of Ethiopia attracts Slovenia to engage in spheres of trade and investment. Slovenia is keen to open diplomatic relation with Ethiopia since the East African nation has massive opportunity for investment, trade, and due to its geopolitical location, Pahor said. As a member of the European Union Slovenia will also work to strengthen cooperation with African Union via Ethiopia, he revealed.