At the Korea-Ethiopia summit held at Cheong Wa Dae today, President Moon Jae-in said, “We are doing everything possible to achieve the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and establish a peace process.” President Moon called upon Ethiopia, which has diplomatic ties with North Korea, to take interest and provide support so that a successful peace process could materialize.  

President Moon spoke highly of the documents signed at today’s summit, including agreements to establish a joint ministerial committee and waive visas for diplomatic and official passport holders as well as MOUs for cooperation on education and the environment. The President went on to ask the Ethiopian Government to take extra interest in improving the business environment there as Korean companies are facing difficulties related to taxation and the issuance of letters of credit. 

In addition, the President expressed the hope that exchanges and cooperation in the fields of chemistry, bioscience, space development, ICT and others related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution would take concrete shape. Mentioning a welfare center for Korean War veterans to be opened in Addis Ababa in October this year, President Moon said that he hoped that the veterans’ noble spirit of sacrifice would be passed down to Ethiopia’s youth. 

In reply, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said he wished for one Korea and the unification of the South and North. He went on to say that everyone expects President Moon to help establish peace between the two Koreas.

The Ethiopian Prime Minister continued to explain his vision of making Ethiopia one of the five largest economic powerhouses in Africa in the next decade. He further expounded that many efforts are being channeled particularly into tourism, ICT, agriculture and mining. 

Moreover, he added that the difficulties facing foreign investors are being addressed, including improvements in taxation, accessibility to finance and public services.

In conclusion, President Moon said that he hoped Ethiopia’s ambitious initiatives could be materialized and Korea’s experience in economic growth could be shared with it.