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Lavrov to visit Ethiopia to discuss bilateral relations, situation in the region

The sides will consider matters regarding trade-and-economic and investment cooperation

HARARE, September 17. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov travels to Ethiopia on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in the region with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Russia's Foreign Ministry official pointed out that special attention would be devoted to the development of mutually beneficial and multi-aspect relations between Russia and Ethiopia which is Russia's long-standing partner on the continent.

The sides will consider matters regarding trade-and-economic and investment cooperation, specifically those concerning the implementation of large-scale joint projects in Ethiopia in the fields of energy, the productin of hydrocarbon fuel, agriculture, the construction of transport infrastructure facilities, as well as assistance in the training of Ethiopian national personnel.

The Russian Foreign Ministry official said, "The agenda of the /forthcoming/ talks provides for a discussion of further steps to refine bilateral legal-treaty basis. Attention will be also focused on key international problems, the state of affairs in various parts of Africa, and ways to prevent and settle crisis situations on the continent".

When in Addis Ababa, Lavrov is also to have a conversation with Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union /AU/ Commission /AUC/. The sides will touch upon subjects concerning the strengthening of Russia-AU political interaction, including the topical problems of the international and regional agendas.

The sides will exchange views on the situation at flashpoints of the African continent, primarily in Mali, Sahara-Sahel Region, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the areas of the Great Lakes, and Somalia.

Lavrov and Dlamini Zuma will sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Russia's Foreign Ministry and the AU Commission about a mechanism for political consultations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry official added, "A discussion of prospects for Russia-Africa trade-and-economic cooperation will figure importantly, with an emphasis being laid on the creation of favourable conditions on the continent for investment activities of Russian business organizations".