ADDIS ABABA(ENA) - the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development said that the Korea International Cooperation Agency(KOICA) has contributed a lot in strengthening Ethiopia's human resource development.

A workshop aimed at discussing with stakeholders development work undertaken by KOICA was held here yesterday.

Training offered by Korea to Ethiopians would help the nation to extricate itself from poverty, Asnakech Tefera, Asian, Australian and Middle East Focal Person with MoFED, said at the workshop.

She said 75 people have received training in Korea in agriculture, economic planning, management, trade and industry, and health sectors.

Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1965, the two countries have witnessed an ever increasing partnership with growing commitment of the Korean government to support the development efforts of various schemes. Currently, 37 Korean volunteers are rendering services here at different institutions under Korean Overseas Volunteer and Experts(KOV) program.

KOICA Chief Representative in Ethiopia In Yeup Song said the two countries have enjoyed age long historical relations.

The relations enabled the countries to work closely in social and economic sectors, he said. Korea is sharing its rich experience in tackling poverty with Ethiopia.

"Ethiopia is very special to the Korean people. I hope and believe the two countries together hand in hand, will do a lot for the world peace and human prosperity" the representative said.

The workshop deliberated on the KOV Program in Ethiopia and on related issues that can contribute to development cooperation.