Ethiopia and Botswana signed an air transport agreement on Tuesday (January 29th) here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The agreement was signed between Driba Kuma, Minister of Transport and Mr. Phandu Skelemani, Botswana's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Minister Skelemani, who described Ethiopian Airlines as a success story for the aviation industry of Africa, also held bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Dr. Tedros Adhanom.

Dr. Tedros hailed Botswana's impressive achievements in democracy, good governance, economic growth and development, and described it as a beacon of hope and a pride for all of Africa. He emphasized the importance of elevating bilateral relations, of increasing Botswana investment to increase economic ties, and the imperative of improving intra-African trade.

He also briefed Minister Skelemani on Ethiopia's efforts for regional integration through infrastructural development in roads, railways and communications. Minister Skelemani also welcomed the bilateral relationship and underlined the immense contribution of Ethiopian doctors to Botswana's health sector and the training offered by Ethiopian Airlines as examples of its benefits.

Minister Skelemani also gave Dr. Tedros an invitation from Botswana's President Seretse Khama Ian Khama for Prime Minister Hailemariam to make an official visit to Botswana.