Mr Johnson told the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
there was much the two countries agreed on and great
potential to deepen the relationship further. He hoped
that progress could be made on the issues important to
both countries to allow that potential to be realised. He
also raised the case of Andargachew Tsege and discussed
the importance of ensuring fundamental freedoms,
including freedom of expression.
At Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, the
Foreign Secretary saw the benefits that both countries
are already experiencing from the growing trade
relationship. Ethiopia’s flag carrier uses Airbus 350s
that are designed in the UK, have UK manufactured wings
and are powered by British Rolls Royce engines.
He also went for a run with double-Olympic champion Haile
Gebrselasse, one of the organisers of the Great Ethiopian
Run, which is modelled on the UK’s Great North Run.
At the end of his visit the Foreign Secretary said:
On my first visit to Ethiopia I have been excited to
see great examples of the ever increasing cooperation
between our two countries. From Ethiopian Airlines,
where British technical and engineering expertise is
helping an African business to grow and prosper, to our
growing cultural links typified by the Great Ethiopian
Run.
Together the UK and Ethiopia can work to make our
countries and the region stronger, safer and more
prosperous, from combating the devastating drought to
enhancing security for people in neighbouring Somalia.
We have much that unites us and I look forward to
continuing and strengthening this relationship in the
years to come.
