Addis Ababa, June 10, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - United States Ambassador to Ethiopia, Donald Yamamoto said his country will continue to be an important partner to Ethiopia.
The ambassador told a press conference here on Wednesday that his country is committed to further strengthen relations with Ethiopia with a view to ensuring regional and continental peace and security.
To this end, the two countries have been working closely towards enabling Ethiopia play a vital role in the region.
The ambassador said his country has been working in partnership with African governments to come up with comprehensive and inclusive policies aiming at making the continent a better place.
Ethiopia and the U.S have been cooperating in various areas particularly in agriculture development, education and health sectors.
Accordingly, he said for the first time the US government is going to provide over 20 million USDs assistance this year for the development of the agriculture sector.
It has also been helping the Ministry of Health to construct health facilities and train health care providers.
The ambassador stressed the need to encourage and promote women entrepreneurs to bring rapid economic growth in the country.
Regarding the situation in Somalia, the ambassador said the problem in that country is threat for security of the region as a whole.
The primary solution for the situation is resolving problem inside Somalia, he said. Somalis themselves should negotiate and support each other to bring peace and stability in their country.
USA has 53 Consulates and Embassies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Source: The Ethiopian News Agency
