Swedish Gov't to Provide Support for Dev't Programs in Ethiopia: Ambassador Pettersson

Addis Ababa 02/11/2018 The Swedish government announced that it would continue to provide support for development programs in Ethiopia. Swedish Ambassador to Ethiopia, Torbjörn Pettersson also said Ethiopia’s effort in promoting gender parity is encouraging. Speaking to ENA, Ambassador Pettersson noted that a number of partnership programs are in progress in the country in line with the mutual development cooperation agreements signed between the two countries, He noted that promotion of gender equality, human rights, good governance and democracy are among the areas of cooperation. Sweden and Ethiopia are also cooperating in environmental protection and strengthening of the private sector to actively participate in the economic development of the country. In line with the agreements entered with the country’s institutes of higher learning and research institutes, the Swedish government is building the capacity of research institutes and instructors by providing them with standard laboratory equipment and training, it was pointed out. Besides, the Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa is encouraging Swedish companies to invest in Ethiopia and also engage in trade, Pettersson stated. The ambassador lauded the decision of the government to introduce gender parity in the cabinet and the appointment of Ambassador Sahelework  Zewede as the head of state of the country.