Premier’s visit to Italy yields tangible results: Finance Minister

Addis Ababa, May 28, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent working visit to Italy was a success, Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Mr. Ahmed Shide has said.

During the visit, the Prime Minister held extensive discussions with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The two sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in the areas of education, global peace, and both bilateral and multilateral engagements. The Vatican also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s educational development.

Prime Minister Abiy also held wide-ranging talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, focusing on key bilateral issues. According to Minister Ahmed, the discussions underscored the growing partnership between the two nations, with particular emphasis on Italy’s continued support for Ethiopia’s economic reforms, energy development, and overall growth.

The Finance Minister highlighted a steady rise in Italy’s development assistance to Ethiopia in recent years. He further disclosed that the two governments signed agreements in several critical areas, including green development, urban infrastructure, and macroeconomic reform.

Investment was also a central theme of the discussions. Minister Ahmed stated that the favorable investment climate in Ethiopia was presented as an opportunity for increased Italian investment. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to boosting cooperation in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and finance.

Additionally, the Ethiopian delegation held a productive meeting with Webuild Group CEO Pietro Salini. During the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy invited the company to expand its investments into priority sectors including housing, energy, mining, and fertilizer production. The CEO expressed Webuild’s readiness to undertake large-scale projects aligned with Ethiopia’s development goals.