ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 28 -- The Ethiopian government and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate on infrastructure development in Ethiopia.

This was highlighted during discussions between Ethiopia's Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide and AIIB President Jin Liqun in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, according to a statement released Thursday by the finance ministry.

The two officials engaged in extensive talks on strengthening development cooperation, with Shide briefing Jin on Ethiopia's efforts to accelerate economic growth. These include the country's long-term development programs, its homegrown economic reform initiative, and the expanding role of the private sector in driving economic development.

Praising the AIIB as a key financial institution in supporting major infrastructure development projects, the finance minister outlined Ethiopia's request for AIIB financing for major infrastructure projects, such as the construction of a new airport and renewable energy projects, to advance the country's development agenda.

The ministry said the two officials reached an agreement to collaborate on major infrastructure projects in Ethiopia.

For his part, Jin reaffirmed the AIIB's readiness to support the Ethiopian government and people, underscoring the willingness to work with the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and other stakeholders to enhance Ethiopia's development efforts, according to the ministry.

Headquartered in China's Beijing, the AIIB is a multilateral development bank that began operations in January 2016, with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia.

  - Xinhua