Ethiopia, Russia sign accord on accommodation of diplomatic mission in Moscow

by ENA

Addis Ababa, May 18, 2010 (Addis Ababa) - Ethiopia and Russia signed here on Tuesday an agreement on terms of accommodation of the diplomatic mission of Ethiopia in Moscow.

Foreign Affairs State Minister Dr. Nega Tsegaye and Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mikhail Afanasiev signed the agreement.

According to the agreement the Russian federation will provide the property which currently houses the Ethiopian embassy in Moscow to be available to Ethiopia for 49 years on a nominal lease basis. On the occasion, Dr. Nega said the agreement is another important landmark of unique friendship between the two countries.

He said the agreement beyond easing Ethiopia’s financial burden; it will enhance the mission’s capacity in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities. The agreement is the manifestation of over centuries of historic and uninterrupted relations between the two countries, he said.

Dr. Nega said more than a century ago, the large plot of land in Addis Ababa, where the Russian embassy currently is located was granted to Russia by emperor Menilik .

He said the establishment of the Balcha Hospital by Russia and the re-erection of Alexander Pushkin’s sculpture are among some of the remarkable landmarks of the historic nature of the two countries relationship.

Ambassador Mikhail Afanasiev on his part said the agreement is a step in a right direction.

He said the agreement will add impetus to a fruitful partnership between the two countries.

The ambassador said the terms of accommodation finally settled successfully on the basis of the internationally accepted principle of reciprocity