MFA Press Statement: Visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean to Ethiopia and South Africa, 7 to 14 May 2017

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean called on Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn, 9 May 2017. [Photo credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore]

DPM Teo Chee Hean hosted to lunch by Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia Demeke Mekonnen, 9 May 2017. [Photo credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore]

                DPM and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean visited Ethiopia from 7 to 11 May 2017 and had meetings with key Ethiopian leaders.

                During the call on Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, DPM Teo and PM Desalegn reaffirmed the warm relations between Singapore and Ethiopia, and welcomed the re-launch of direct flights by Ethiopian Airlines between Addis Ababa and Singapore in June 2017 which are expected to boost business and people-to-people links between the two countries. They also welcomed the start of negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty, and looked forward to the early ratification of the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement. Both agreements will help strengthen bilateral economic links. PM Desalegn invited Singaporean companies to participate in Ethiopia’s industrialisation programme. PM Desalegn also accepted PM Lee Hsien Loong’s invitation to visit Singapore.

                DPM Teo also had fruitful discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen, Minister of Industry Ahmed Abitew, Minister of Finance and Economic Cooperation Dr Abreham Tekesete, and Minister and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr Arkebe Oqubay, during which they discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, tourism, and technical cooperation. The Ministers briefed DPM Teo on Ethiopia’s economic development plans. DPM Teo welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Mekonnen’s plans to visit Singapore this year. DPM Teo also met Singapore companies and other key business leaders based in Ethiopia. DPM Teo also visited Axum, where he was hosted by the Vice President of the Tigray Region Ambassador Adis Alem Balema and other senior regional officials.

                After Ethiopia, DPM Teo will visit South Africa where he will participate in the 20th meeting of the TOTAL International Advisory Committee and meet Singaporeans based in Johannesburg.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
11 MAY 2017