Director Generals of NORAD, Sida Stress Ethiopia's Strategic Importance

Addis Ababa January 23/2024 (ENA) State Minister of Finance, Semereta Sewasew consulted with Bård Vegard and Jakob Granit, Director Generals of Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) respectively.

Ministry of Finance said in a statement that Ethiopia and Norway, with a diplomatic relationship dating back to 1947, share common interests including peace, security, climate change, migration management, sustainable development, gender equality, education, and private sector promotion. 

The core funding from Norway exceeds 100 million USD annually both bilaterally and multilaterally.

The Ethiopian side expressed its commitment to combat climate change and especially appreciated the support of the people and government of Norway in our endeavors for realizing a low emission and climate resilient economic development.

Ethiopia and Sweden, celebrating 70 years of diplomatic partnership, collaborate on human rights, democracy, environment, economic development, and peaceful societies. Sida’s support in Ethiopia 2022/23 reached 72 million USD both for development and humanitarian needs.

The state minister warmly welcomed both delegates and highlighted ongoing economic reform, humanitarian and peace development efforts, expressing gratitude for the countries' support. 

The importance of synergies to address complex challenges and the potential for Ethiopia as a model for the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus were emphasized. 
 

Both officials announced the future directions of their governments and stressed Ethiopia's strategic importance, and historical ties but also expressed their concern about the global geo-political challenges with make cooperation efforts difficult. 

They also stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for the private sector in the development of the country and extended their support to the sector.

Ambassador Stian Christensen and Ambassador Hans Lundquist of Norway and Sweden, along with officials from NORAD, SIDA, and embassies, were also present.