President hails religious institutions for roles in tackling HIV/AIDS, poverty

Addis Ababa July 11(ENA)-- President Girma Woldegiorgis said that religious organizations have been playing key roles in the national efforts geared to stem the tides of HIV/AIDS and endemic poverty.

Girma said all religious congregations have been complementing the poverty reduction and nation building endeavors underway in the country.

The president made the remarks here on Thursday while conferring with the Secretary General of World Council of Churches, Dr. Konrad Raiser.

Religious leaders have been in the forefront of propping up the multi-sectoral response in the fight against HIV/AIDS , a spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs quoted Girma as saying.

Following his meet with the president, Dr. Raiser told reporters that a cordial partnership and cooperation has been established between the Ethiopian and the World Council of Churches.

The Secretary General has also praised the efforts exerted by the religious leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea in seeking a peaceful means to help settle the border dispute between the two countries.

(END)