The visit of Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon Magnus to Ethiopia after 51 years will open a new chapter to “excellent” bilateral ties of the two nations, President Mulatu Teshome said.
Addressing the media, President Mulatu said "I have pointed out to His Royal Highness that his visit will further transform the bilateral ties between Ethiopia and Norway to a new chapter."
The president also extended gratitude to Norway through the Crown Prince for its partnership in the realization of Ethiopia's green economy.
"We have now reached consensus to take additional measures to boost trade and encourage investment which is below the level of our expectation," he stated.
The president further called on the Norwegian side to support Ethiopia's quest for industrialization by investing in manufacturing and renewable energy sectors.
Crown Prince of Norway, His Royal Highness Haakon Magnus said on his part that “it is really great to be here. My late grandfather had visited Ethiopia 51 years ago and I am very pleased to be able to retrace some of his footsteps.”
The Crown Prince added that the strong relationship between the two countries is built on longstanding friendship. "Today our mutual interest covered areas such as climate change managing migration, access to education, and investing in health as well as others.”
The signing of the agreement for potash exploration in Ethiopia has witnessed the next major area of partnership, he pointed out.
Crown Prince Magnus said “we are accompanied by a large business delegation looking to establish new partnership and to explore new opportunities in Ethiopia.”
An agreement on large-scale potash production in Afar Regional State with over 731 million USD was signed today at the National Palace.
The agreement was signed by Mines, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Motuma Mekassa and Yara Dallol BV Potash Project CEO Sanjay Singh Rathore. (ENA)