HC Deb 12 December 1984 vol 69 c521W
43. Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent visit to Ethiopia by the Minister for Overseas Development.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

The visit to Ethiopia by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development lasted from 25 to 27 November. He had useful discussions with Chairman Mengistu and other members of the Ethiopian Government, and met representatives of the voluntary agencies and international organisations. He visited relief camps at Korem and Mekele and the port of Assab and was impressed by the superb operation of the RAF detachment. Following his visit he announced to the House on 3 December further British assistance to Ethiopia of 15,000 tonnes of cereals, costing about £2.7 million, and other measures to assist relief operations.

65. Mr. Andrew MacKay

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Anglo-Ethiopian relations.

Mr. Rifkind

We have normal diplomatic realations with Ethiopia. Over the past 12 months, we have resumed a modest technical co-operation programme and cancelled repayment of certain development loans. (Retrospective Terms Adjustment.) In addition, we have announced £11.3 million of emergency relief and food aid in the past two months, over and above the £15.5 million already allocated since 1982.

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