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<p>The UK has a strong bilateral partnership with Ethiopia, a key ally in the Horn
of Africa. We will continue to invest in growing an equitable relationship, built
on shared values, and with the shared aim of creating jobs and increasing prosperity,
including by increasing the number of staff at the British Embassy in Addis Ababa.</p><p>Government
Ministers regularly meet with their Ethiopian counterparts to discuss cooperation
across a range of issues. The Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of
State for International Development both visited Addis Ababa in August; the latter
met with Prime Minister Abiy and discussed, inter-alia, the importance of inclusiveness
and establishing accountability as part of his reform agenda. The Minister of State
for Africa visited at the beginning of October, participating in constructive Aid
Talks, which, while covering the breadth of issues identified in the 2018 Partnership
Principles Assessment, focused on the economy. The Minister for Africa also, on 16
October, opened the UK-Ethiopia Trade and Investment Forum here in London, recognising
the 80% growth in total trade in goods and services between the UK and Ethiopia in
2017 as a clear signal of our evolving, modern partnership.</p>
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