Brazil's foreign minister to pay an official visit to Ethiopia

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira will pay an official visit to Ethiopia on Monday, 5 June, to discuss political and economic cooperation with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other senior government officials.

Brazil's ambassador to Ethiopia, Jandir Ferreira Dos Santos, told the Ethiopian Press Agency that Vieira will convey a message from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that Africa is a priority for the South American country and the readiness of Brazil to expand its partnership with Addis Ababa and the continent as a whole.

"Cooperation with Africa is the most important area of Brazil's foreign policy, and our country wants to develop partnerships in agriculture, health and other areas," stressed Ferreira Dos Santos.

He recalled that the two countries have warm relations and share a number of common positions in international organisations, including the United Nations (UN).

Ethiopia reopened its embassy in Brasilia this year and annual trade turnover is growing. "However, there is still much room for development," added the Brazilian diplomat.

The Brazilian foreign minister's visit to Ethiopia will be the second in a row. The first took place in 2016 during the rule of Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016).

The delegation led by Vieira is also expected to meet with the chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, to address issues of mutual interest, as reported by Prensa Latina, a partner of TV BRICS.

Photo: Prensa Latina