Addis Ababa, March 26, 2010 (Addis Ababa) -

Japanese ambassador to Ethiopia Kinichi Komano said his country remains committed to enhance cooperation with Ethiopia.

In a press conference he gave here on Thursday in connection with the conclusion of Japanese year at his residence the ambassador said his country has strong desire to deepen the existing excellent relations with Ethiopia.

He said Japan would continue its development assistance to the effort of the Ethiopian government to address poverty reduction and Ethiopia. The ambassador said Japan is the leading coffee exporter from Ethiopia and the amount of exported coffee has been increasing. He said the two countries are working closely in the area of trade, investment, culture, tourism, technology transfer and education among others.

The ambassador said his government will increase the development assistance in the area of potable water, primary schools and roads construction, among others.

The trade exchange volume is now in favor of Japan, he said and adding the two countries need to narrow the gap. However, he said the annual trade exchange volume of the two countries has been increasing time to time.

He said his country has also considerable share in exporting Ethiopian flowers.

Komano said the cultural relations of the two countries is in a good shape.

Source: ENA