06.03.08-Prime Minister Meles Zenawi says wide-ranging efforts are being made to enhance the cooperation between Ethiopia and The Netherlands.

The prime minister held talks with the minister of development cooperation of The Netherlands, Bert Koenders, on Wednesday [5 March].

Koenders, after the talks, told journalists that he discussed with the prime minister on the current status of cooperation between the two countries and future prospects in various areas of cooperation. He said the upcoming provincial elections and by-elections would facilitate ways for a smooth journey of Ethiopia towards enhanced development. Koenders said his country is in the forefront of developed nations that are supporting the expansion of education in Africa.

A senior government official who attended the meeting quoted Meles as having commended the government of The Netherlands for the support it has been providing to Ethiopia. Meles, the official said, told the delegation that Ethiopia has been exerting efforts towards enhanced cooperation between the two countries. [Passage omitted]

Koenders told journalists that he was briefed by the prime minister about the activities Ethiopia has been undertaking to supporting the Transitional Federal Government [TFG] of Somalia. Koenders said his country appreciates Ethiopia's support to the TFG, and how it has been contributing to the peace in the region by sending its army to that country.

Koenders said his country earlier on in the day signed a memorandum of understanding enabling it to purchase oil seeds from Ethiopia and sell it in European and other markets.