Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah met at the National Palace 21 July in Addis Ababa. Four separate cooperation agreements are now signed between Kuwait and Ethiopia in the areas of manpower exchange, agriculture, bilateral consultation and air transport service.
Prime Minister Meles expressed that these agreements will strengthen the all-round bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Kuwait particularly economically through trade and investment. It was also mentioned that in the areas of peace, security and politics the countries “have a lot to do” as partners.
Kuwait has agreed for a US$ 63 loan for expansion of electricity in the Afar state and building of Wukro-Zanalbessa road in Tigray state. Kuwait also plans to support road construction in Oromia State (Nekempte-Bedelle Road).
Kuwait has previously given a US$35 million loan for the expansion of the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Ethiopian Airlines Flights to Kuwait will also increase from 2 to 7 days a week. Prime Minister Meles visited Kuwait in 1996 and 2007, and Kuwait opened an embassy here in 1997. Premier Sheikh Nasser is the first Kuwaiti Premier to visit Ethiopia. An Ethio-Kuwait friendship Group has also been established in the Ethiopian parliament.