Hailemariam discusses with Australian delegation

Addis Ababa, April 15, 2011 (Addis Ababa, ENA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Hailemariam Desalegn here on Friday held talks with Australian MPs delegation on bilateral issues between Ethiopia and Australia.

Hailemariam on the occasion briefed members of the delegation on the rapid economic growth Ethiopia registered during the past successive years.

He also lauded ongoing support of the Australian government towards success of Ethiopia's development activities in the education and health sectors, among others.

Hailemariam said existing cooperation between Ethiopia and Australia is getting enhanced from time to time.
The Deputy PM briefed the delegation that construction of the Great Millennium Nile Dam Project will not have negative effect on lower riparian countries.

He also briefed the delegation on the strategy made official by the Ethiopian government recently concerning Eritrea, according to Spokesperson of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Dina Mufti.

Delegation Leader, Joel Fitzgibbon on his part said members of the delegation discussed with Hailemariam on ways to establish cooperation between parliaments of the two countries.

Fitzgibbon said the delegation got first hand information on the ongoing efforts of Ethiopia to achieve MDGs and also its development endeavours.