The speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives has disclosed that the Ethio-Austrian Parliamentary relation should continue in progress.

The speaker of the House hon. Ambassador Teshome Toga has expressed this when he received and talked with the Austrian President and his delegation on 21st of Feb. 2008.

Hon. Ambassador Teshome said that due to the longstanding historical relations existed between Ethiopia and Austria, the parliamentary tie of these countries should continue in a solid and progressive manner.

Besides, the speaker remarked that the House would perform those activities which nourish the multi-party parliamentary democracy so as to contribute tangible effects to the democratization process allover the country.

Moreover, the participation of women parliamentarians and opposition parties in any work of the House is highly increased ever than before, speaker noted.

Furthermore, the House has strived to build the capacity of members so as to consolidate multi-party parliamentary democracy in the House and played great roles to uphold democracy, he explained.

In addition, he noted that significant number of voters is registered for the local and by-election which will be held on April 2008.

Meanwhile, president of Austria his Excellency Dr. Heinz Fischer on his part said that Austria would consolidate its bilateral relation with Ethiopia in the economic, social, education, trade and other sectors to support the development endeavors Ethiopian is Undertaking.

Moreover, the prevailing bilateral parliamentary relations with different countries established by Ethiopia are commendable, he expressed.

The president also stated that Austria would perform activities that enable European Union member countries to strengthen their relations with Africa.