Ethiopia, Switzerland Keen to Upscale Ties

Addis Ababa January  22/02019 Foreign Minister, Workneh Gebeyehu, met with his Swiss Counterpart, Ignazio Cassis today in Davos, Switzerland, on the margins of the World Economic Forum.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral and multilateral issues of common interest, According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Minister Workneh briefed his Swiss counterpart the on the sweeping political and economic reforms underway in Ethiopia under the new leadership.

It was vital to ensure socio-economic development, the widening of the political space, reign of the rule of law, ensuring media freedom and respect of human rights, he said.

In such score, Workneh noted that a number of important legislation have been in the process of revision and will soon be completed.

He further underlined the importance of enhancing the bilateral economic cooperation, particularly on areas of trade and investment.

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has pledged to encourage the Swiss private sector to invest in Ethiopia with the view to strengthening the bilateral economic cooperation.

The two Ministers also underscored the need to finalize the signing of the agreement on avoidance of double taxation, noting that doing so, would further strengthen the bilateral economic ties.

They also agreed to continue the bilateral political consultations they have been conducting at the level of the State Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the two countries.

Ethiopia and Switzerland held their 3rd round political consultation in Bern, Switzerland in March 2018, it was learned.

Switzerland is a key partner of Ethiopia in Federalism and Governance.