By Abebech Tamene
ADDIS ABABA
Kuwait is keen to bolster its relations with African countries, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Ethiopia Rashed Al-Hajri said Wednesday.
"Kuwait has pledged $4.5 billion for Africa and will continue similar support," Al-Hajri told a press conference held to mark the U.N.'s recognition of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as a "humanitarian leader."
"So far, 14 African countries have benefited from the pledge and others are still working on their proposals. We expect they will present their proposals and benefit from the fund," Al-Hajri said.
He added: "No strings are attached to our relations with Africa."
The ambassador went on to say that his country's relations with Ethiopia in particular – in the economic, political and social fields – were growing.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom, for his part, has invited his Kuwaiti counterpart to visit Ethiopia, while Ethiopia's top diplomat is also set to visit Kuwait.
Ethiopian State Minister for Finance and Economic Development Ahmed Shede is also scheduled to visit Kuwait this week for talks on issues related to assistance and loans, Al-Hajri said.
"A joint commission meeting will also be held between the two countries," he said. "This is an indication of our strengthening ties."
englishnews@aa.com.tr
www.aa.com.tr/en
