Addis Ababa, Dec. 7(ENA)--America pledged to provide assistance to Ethiopia in support of its economic reform program and to enable the country to meet its immediate needs.

Senior government officials including president George W. Bush have assured Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in Washington that US support would mainly focus on the democratization, development strategy and the fight against terrorism.

During talks at the white house with Meles, president Bush said his country was ready to provide assistance to help Ethiopia overcome the drought triggered food shortage and combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.

USA has great respect to the people of Ethiopia and Prime Minister Meles who he said are strong friends of his country and determined to fight terrorism.

Asked to comment on the role of the US government with regard to the measures taken by the horn of African countries including Ethiopia to fight terrorism, president Bush said his country would stand alongside with countries like Ethiopia, which are determined to fight the menace of the 21st century.

Top ranking US government officials have also assured Meles their country’s support to the efforts launched to lift Ethiopia from the quagmire of poverty.

Meles reiterated his country’s commitment to contribute its share in the fight against terrorism and work with determination for regional peace and stability.

Prime minister Meles has also briefed officials of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund about the democratization, the measures taken to bring about durable peace and stability as well as to mitigate the ill effects of the drought in the country.

Officials of the financial isntituions have assured Meles that they would provide economic assistance to Ethiopia.

The prime minister has also exchanged views with US entrepreneurs and Ethiopian- American scholars about the present situation in the country and the measures taken to speed up economic development and social progress.

Ethiopian ambassador to the US, Kassahun Ayele also told reporters that over half a million Ethiopians living in the USA have shown their willingness to take part in the development endeavor of the country.

Prime minter Meles returned home on Friday.

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