Serik Zhumangarin discussed the development of cooperation with ex-President of Ethiopia Mulatu Teshome

Within the framework of the Astana International Forum, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin met with the Ethiopian business delegation headed by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome.

Despite the remoteness of this country of the African continent from Kazakhstan, bilateral relations between our states have positive dynamics. In September, it will be 12 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Ethiopia. Since 2013, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Addis Ababa has been operating.

«We highly appreciate the political and economic reforms carried out by the Government of Abiy Ahmed, as well as the role and contribution of Addis Ababa in strengthening regional security. Kazakhstan welcomes these transformations and wishes success in achieving the set goals», — Serik Zhumangarin addressed the participants of the meeting.

Kazakhstan's economic cooperation with Ethiopia has not yet been properly developed, but it has good prospects and potential. In the four months of 2023, the trade turnover between our countries increased by 83.2% and amounted to $130.8 thousand.

As S. Zhumangarin noted, Kazakhstan is interested in intensifying bilateral trade and investment and Ethiopia's entry into the TOP 10 economic partners in Africa.

«You have brought with you a group of large businessmen interested in setting up joint ventures and production facilities. This is the first visit of the Ethiopian delegation with a business mission to Kazakhstan and I hope that it will be fruitful», — Serik Zhumangarin expressed hope.

In turn, the ex-President of Ethiopia Mulatu Teshome thanked the Kazakh side for the warm welcome, and also noted that our countries share common opportunities and interests. Among the potentially successful areas of cooperation, he particularly highlighted trade, investment and tourism.