Addis Ababa, April 23, 2024 (Addis Walta) The Swedish government is committed to enhancing trade and investment ties with Ethiopia thereby supporting economic development in the country, said Sweden’s Ambassador to Ethiopia.
In an exclusive interview with EPA, Sweden’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Hans Henric Lundquist, stated that Sweden focuses more on trade and investment since economic development will promote peace.
As part of development cooperation, Sweden needs to support the regional integration process, especially in the Horn of Africa (HoA) as well as other parts of Africa.
“We need more trade between African countries and between Africa and Europe. We live in a very polarized world today since so many conflicts going on globally.”
Sweden contributed to the history of many African countries in building solidarity and capacity building particularly in a people-to-people context. This continues in Ethiopia for 70 years of cooperation, he said.
“Ethiopia and Sweden have built a mutual partnership. Sweden has a broad development program in Ethiopia. Hence, we have been looking for ways on how to contribute in strengthening trade and investment. Right now, we have around 30 Swedish companies operating in the country,” the Ambassador added.
So far, the two countries have been cooperating in Agriculture, education, health, and other development sectors.
“Sweden considers Ethiopia as a very important country in the Horn of Africa. And the stability in the country would contribute to the stability of the region. That is why, Sweden believes that Ethiopia is a strategic country in the region. We will continue supporting the country in developing cooperation in various fields,” the Ambassador added.
“Furthermore, Sweden has been supporting the National Dialogue and upcoming transitional justice processes and also exploring ways how to support the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process in Ethiopia,” he pointed out.