Addis Ababa — A development agreement worth 1.5 billion birr was signed here on Friday between Ethiopia and the government of Sweden.

Sweden has agreed to provide the above stated amount during a three-year period beginning April 11, 2003 to June 30, 2006.

"About 1.3 billion birr will be made available for government to government cooperation.

Of which amount the 250 million is already committed for different ongoing programs and projects. The remaining funds will be available for new commitments," a statement from the Swedish Embassy said.

Some 200 million birr will also be made available for cooperation with civil society organizations including the private sector, the statement added.

Prior to the signing of the agreement, the Swedish delegation led by Mr. Lars Ronnas, Director of African Department in the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs had held talks with Dr. Mulu Ketsela, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development.

"The talks mainly had to do with Ethiopia's Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Program (SDPRP), and a five-year strategy of Ethio-Swedish development cooperation."

Mr. Ronnas said during a gathering at the Swedish Embassy that the aim of the agreement was to contribute to the alleviation of poverty in Ethiopia.

It was also pointed out on the occasion that the development cooperation would concentrate on democratic development and respect for human rights, social development and economic growth.

In addition to already present Ethio- Swedish projects and cooperations, in areas such as democracy, human rights, health and research, Friday's agreement paves way for the development of new projects for the judiciary sector, fight against HIV/AIDS, road, food security, private sector development and budget support.