French president's visit to Addis Ababa kicks off

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

French President Emanuel Macron said on Tuesday his country wanted to cooperate with Ethiopia in defense and security.

Macron kicked off an official two-day visit to Ethiopia upon the invitation of Ethiopian Premier Abiy Ahmed.

"We appreciate Ethiopia’s role in the Horn of Africa," Macron said during a joint press conference, adding that the country played an "indispensable role" in fighting terrorism and regional peace.

According to Macron, France will strengthen its military cooperation with Ethiopia, adding that military personnel would be dispatched to Ethiopia to train members of the Ethiopian armed forces - particularly the air force.

Meanwhile, the two leaders presided over the signature of four agreements between the two countries on cultural issues as well as defense cooperation and investment promotion.

During a visit to Paris last October, Abiy solicited support from Macron for the restoration of the world-famous Lalibela Rock Hewn Churches in northern Ethiopia.

Abiy said the agreements included financial and technical support for their restoration of the 12th century monolithic churches without giving details as to the extent of the financial support.

Macron added: "A new chapter has been turned in the economic relations between the two countries," referring to a grant amounting to 85 million euros for investment promotion and another 15 million euros in a package to support the county's ongoing reform efforts.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

French President Emanuel Macron said on Tuesday his country wanted to cooperate with Ethiopia in defense and security.

Macron kicked off an official two-day visit to Ethiopia upon the invitation of Ethiopian Premier Abiy Ahmed.

"We appreciate Ethiopia’s role in the Horn of Africa," Macron said during a joint press conference, adding that the country played an "indispensable role" in fighting terrorism and regional peace.

Meanwhile, the two leaders presided over the signature of four agreements between the two countries on cultural issues as well as defense cooperation and investment promotion.

During a visit to Paris last October, Abiy solicited support from Macron for the restoration of the world-famous Lalibela Rock Hewn Churches in northern Ethiopia.

Abiy said the agreements included financial and technical support for their restoration of the 12th century monolithic churches without giving details as to the extent of the financial support.