Ethiopia, Czech Discuss Expanding Cooperation in Agriculture, Mining

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia and Czech Republic leaders vowed to enhance the two countries’ cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, and mining sectors.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed went to the Czech Republic after attending the opening session of the 20th general conference of the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in Austria.

Abiy and his delegation were received by Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala in an official ceremony in Prague where the leaders held their bilateral exchange on Tuesday.

In their discussions, “the two leaders vowed to enhance cooperation in the fields of agriculture, mining, and tourism while enhancing their existing cooperation in the defense sector,” Abiy’s Office says.

Czech company Omnipol is working with the Ethiopian Air Force on the modernization of L-39 fighter aircrafts, in addition to supplying flight simulators.

PM Petr Fiala wants to see more Czech companies secure contracts to work in “one of the fastest growing African economies with great potential”.

“Ethiopia is attracting investors from various fields to the country and we want to take advantage of this offer,” Fiala said.

Fiala listed opportunities for closer cooperation in the field of iron ore mining and processing, engineering where Ethiopia is keen on tractors from the Czech, as well as the potential for growth in bilateral trade.

“Czech companies have experience and technologies that could contribute to the development of the local economy,” he said

The discussion was a continuation of the two prime ministers held during Fiala’s visit to Addis Ababa as part of his Africa tour earlier this month.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Abiy appreciated his Czech counterpart Fiala for a “candid exchange”.

“The potential for our two countries to elevate our existing cooperation is immense in agriculture, tourism, mining, and other sectors. I look forward to what we can accomplish together,” Abiy wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.