Mekonnen stressed at a press conference that the friendship between the two countries is forged in blood and agreed to further consolidate the long-standing diplomatic relations in the fields of trade, investment and cooperation for development for the benefit of the respective peoples, the local Foreign Ministry said.

On behalf of the Ethiopian people and government, Mekonnen thanked “the people and government of South Korea for choosing Ethiopia as one of the critical priority development partners in Africa.”

He also congratulated South Korea on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and pledged to work closely on issues of mutual interest and concerns affecting the African continent in general, and the Horn of Africa in particular.

Jin, in turn, expressed his appreciation to the Ethiopian deputy prime minister for his warm welcome and hospitality, and recalled that Addis Ababa, as a priority partner in Africa, will continue to cooperate in key areas to elevate the multifaceted strategic partnership between the two countries.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Korea.

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