Mendefera — Mr. Alian Hutchinson, a delegate from the EU Parliament who conducted a tour of development, agriculture and infrastructure programs in the Southern region, lauded Eritrea's efforts to achieve food security and expand social services in remote areas.

He expressed admiration to the endeavors which Eritrea is exerting to promote the provision of health and educational services, as well as improve the people's standard of living which he personally witnessed. Mr. Alian Hutchinson further asserted that the European Union would work in collaboration with Eritrea.

The head of agricultural development in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Hiruy Asgedom, gave briefing to the delegate on Eritrea's priority action to reinforce soil and water conservation, environmental protection, reforestation, development of land plots below micro-dams, boost the number of domestic animals and wildlife, as well as develop rangelands and forests.

Likewise, Mr. Mussa Naib, director general of general education in the Ministry of Education, outlined the endeavors being made to provide educational opportunities in all parts of the country so as to promote active popular participation in the development drive and raise productivity. He also briefed the EU delegate on the ongoing activities to closely address public affairs and upgrade women's standard of living standard through avoiding dependency.