(Parliament News)March 11, 2021:- Ethiopia will continue to strengthen its existing friendship with Cuba, said Honorable Negeri Lencho (Phd), Chairperson of the Foreign and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of Peoples' Representatives of (FDRE). Honorable Negeri Lencho received Cuban ambassador today.

The friendship between the two countries has lasted for more than forty-five years according to Honorable Negeri. He said the history of the Cuban people who stood by the Ethiopians in their struggle to defend their borders and the invasion of Karamara is unforgettable and vital in the hearts of Ethiopians.

He recalled that the Cuban government would support Ethiopian students to take advantage of scholarships in various fields and send medical teams to provide health care services. He said bilateral agreements have been signed between the two countries to strengthen this historic relationship.

He also said that they will work to strengthen people-to-people relations by strengthening the parliamentary friendship group of the two countries.

Honorable Negeri Lencho(Phd) also told the Ambassador that some irresponsible media outlets are currently spreading false and misleading information about Ethiopia to the international community and that it is a false propaganda that does not take into account the current situation.

On the other hand, he said Ethiopian government has repeatedly stated to the international community that it does not want to harm the lower riparian countries related to the Great Renaissance Dam. He said the drive of the dam is to open up opportunities, like any other country, with its own resources for the benefit of its citizens and to achieve its development goal.

Cuban Ambassador to Ethiopia, Vilma Thomas Ramirez, on her part said Ethiopia is the only African country that has a special place in the hearts of Cubans and more than ever committed to further reinforce the relationship.

She said various cooperation agreements have been signed to strengthen bilateral ties in the fields of biotechnology, education, sports, science and technology as well as economic sectors.

By Yared Eshetu