Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, met his Swedish counterpart Maria Malmer Stenergard, in Stockholm on wide ranging issues of mutual interest.

The two foreign ministers exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as regional and global developments including issues related to the Horn of Africa region.

Gedion underscored the longstanding and historic ties between Ethiopia and Sweden, emphasizing the importance of further strengthening their friendship.

He further highlighted the need to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, extending an invitation to Swedish companies to take advantage of the favorable investment opportunities available in Ethiopia.

For her part, the Swedish Foreign Minister noted the strong relations between the two countries and expressed Sweden’s interest in enhancing cooperation with Ethiopia at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

According to records, Ethiopia was the first country to receive Swedish development aid in 1954. The relationship has included strong educational and technical support, including collaborations with Addis Ababa University.

Sweden’s support to Ethiopia has seen a shift toward investment as of late and support to the Horn of African country’s reform agenda.