Turkish Ambassador to Ethiopia Osman R. Yavuzalp said Ethiopia is the most preferable country Turkey wants to cooperate with in economic, political and social areas.
In a press conference he gave here today in connection with ties with Ethiopia and the African Union, the Ambassador said Ethiopia and Turkey are undertaking various activities to sustain the age long ties.
The Ethio-Turkey business forum held here recently was successful and encourages more Turkish companies to invest in Ethiopia, he remarked.
According to the Ambassador, there is a plan to open a bank which finances Turkish investors here and the proposal has already submitted to the government of Ethiopia. If allowed, the bank would be a branch of the agricultural bank, Ziraat.
Turkish companies have invested over 3 billion USD in Ethiopia. Most of them are engaged in the manufacturing sector.
Speaking about relations with African Union and its member countries, Ambassador Yavuzalp said his country has been undertaking various activities to strengthen cooperation and ensure mutual benefit.
The Turkey- Africa Summit held this year for second time is among the initiatives aimed at deepen ties with Africa, he added.
The annual trade relation between Turkey and Africa has reached 23 billion USD, while Turkish companies are investing 7 billion USD in Africa, of which 3 billion USD worth projects are operating in Ethiopia.
[ENA]