Addis Ababa, April.21(ENA)--Japan proves itself a genuine partner of Ethiopia with its direct support provided in the rehabilitation of the 182.5 kilometers Addis Ababa-Goha Tsion highway, Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Kassu Illala said. The road was inaugurated on Wednesday in the presence of high ranking government officials and diplomats.

During the inaugural at the Chugel village situated at 97 kilometers along the Addis Ababa-Goha Tsion road, Dr. Kassu said the road project was implemented with a 782 million Birr secured in direct assistance from the government of Japan.

The government of Japan, with such a huge support to the Ethiopian government's project and various other development assistance it has been providing since long in Ethiopia, has practically demonstrated its development partnership with Ethiopia, Dr. Kassu said.

He hailed the pledge made by the Japanese Government to cover the cost for the implementation of the Goha Tsion-Dejen road, whose design work including the rehabilitation of the Brigde across the Abbay river, has already been launched.

General Manager of the Ethiopian Roads Authority Zeid Woldegebriel on his part said the road is crucial to accessing the rural population with towns and markets.

In addition to the support provided in the road rehabilitation project, the Japanese government has also been supporting the authority in its human resource development efforts. Japan had donated equipment to the Alem Gena Training Center under the authority.

Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia Keinjiro Izumi on his part said the highway will significantly contribute for the realization of the development program Ethiopia has embarked upon and will signify the further strengthening of the relations between Ethiopia and Japan.

The government of Japan has a high regard to its relations and cooperation with Ethiopia, he said.

Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin attended the inaugural. Ambassador Izumi inaugurated the highway.

A monument to honor the Ethio-Japan cooperation and friendship as well as to pay homage to those who lost their lives in the line of duty in the construction activities and to remind the need for careful driving will be erected at the village where the inaugural ceremony was held.

KAJIMA, a Japanese contractor, implemented the road rehabilitation project, which is finalized according to project timetable.

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