Ireland to increase aid

Ireland has pledged to increase its aid to Ethiopia during a visit to the country by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, according to the Irish embassy in Addis Ababa. Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern told his Ethiopian counterpart that he was committed to strengthening ties between the two countries over the coming years. He said Ireland would also further strengthen its historical partnership with Ethiopia by raising its assistance geared at alleviating poverty in the country. Ahern, who acknowledged it was the first time for an Ethiopian leader to visit Ireland, said: "We work with you at EU and UN level. Ireland is committed to working with Ethiopia." The government's development branch, Ireland Aid, has a strong presence in Ethiopia. In 2001 it pledged 200 million Ethiopian birr (US $23.5 million) for development projects, and the figure is expected to increase substantially by 2004. Much of the aid is for developing the agricultural capacity of the country, along with roads and transport. Health, education and "good governance" are also targets. Meles said that Ireland's economic assistance to Ethiopia – one of the poorest countries in the world - has been helpful in fighting poverty. He said his country – where the average income is around US $100 a year - has a strong desire to work in close partnership with Ireland. Meles arrived in Dublin on Wednesday as part of a European tour visiting heads of state in Germany and France.