Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome held a discussion on July 14, 2015, with Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, according to Ethiopian News Agency.

At the occasion, President Mulatu said Ethiopia wants Italy to become its development partner in investment, trade and tourism.

Prime Minister Renzi on his part said Italy is keen to take part to further boost Ethiopia’s development endeavors. More than 100 Italian companies will discuss and explore the possibility of investment in Ethiopia by indentifying the options they have after September.

He also made a statement about the upcoming big exhibition that focuses on investment in Ethiopia to be held in Milan in September. Italian government is willing to encourage big companies to come to Italy, Renzi indicated. Italian Exim Bank and other financial institutions will extend hands to support the activities of the big companies financially, Renzi added.

Matteo Renzi is the first Italian Prime Minister to visit Ethiopia.

Sources: Ethiopian News Agency