Successful visit of Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre

In a more than 3 hours meeting and lunch hosted by Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin all bilateral issues were discussed, in particular how to increase trade and investment between Ethiopia and Norway. Gahr Støre emphasized that the Norwegian government urge Norwegian energy companies to engage in Ethiopia, in particular in the hydropower sector where Norway has vast experience and comparative advantages. The two ministers also had extensive discussions on sub regional issues and how to contribute to peace and stability in the Horn. Gahr Støre congratulated Seyoum Mesfin on the election and the two discussed the challenges of such dominant position for the ruling party on the continued democratisation process in Ethiopia.

In a subsequent meeting with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi similiar issues were discussed as well as preparations for the COP 16 where Prime Minister Meles will co-chair the UN High-level Advisory Group on Climate Change Financing in developing countries with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.