Ethiopia signed an agreement with Kenya to collaborate in the construction of the Addis Ababa-Nairobi-Mombassa road. The 743 million Us dollar project was signed this week by Diriba Kuma, Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Amos Kimunya representing the Kenyan government.
The road construction will be financed by a loan from the African Development Bank.
Ethiopia and Kenya enjoy a historical bond of friendship and cooperation said Dirba at the signing ceremony.The agreement signed indicates the commitment of the two countries to work towards regional integration resulting in significant socio economic benefits for all parties according to Diriba.
Regional economic integration is an important element that will enable the two economies to address the existing global economic challenges he explained.
Ethiopia is ready to work in collaboration with Kenya to realize the agreement concluded the Transport Minister.
The agreement is an important factor in the efforts of the two countries to develop link said Minister Kimunya. The construction project will allow Ethiopia and Kenya to enhance interaction and cross border trade he noted.
The road to be constructed between the two countries is also sure to play a significant role in the integration agenda for Eastern Africa according to Kimunya.
The two countries are also considering to partner in other sectors such as investment, education, tourism, justice, health and livestock said the Kenyan Minister.
Roads are an important element of transportation and communication Africa said Mwanakatwe, Resident Representative of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Regional Co-operation and integration is a key pillar of the African Bank’s strategy explained Mwanakatwe.
Source: Ethiopian Press Agency
