The Saudi-East African Forum was opened here on Sunday at the United Nations Conference Center in the presence of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and leaders of East African countries.

Djiboutian President Esmael Oumar Gulleh , Rwandan Prime Minster Bernard Makuza and Kenya Deputy President Uhuru Kenyata are also attending the Forum.

Speaking on the occasion, Meles said East African countries and Saudi Arabia have longstanding and historical relationships.

Meles further said the longstanding relations between the two sides need to be further consolidated by investment and trade ties.

Speaking about Ethiopia, Meles said Ethiopia is endowed with suitable climate for agriculture and has good investment policy.

Pointing out that the availability of market in the country, Meles called on Saudi investors to invest in Ethiopia. He also assured the Saudi investors that his government would extend the necessary support to them.

Djibouti President Ismael Oumar Guelleh said on his part that his country would do everything possible to strengthen the relations between East Africa and Saudi Arabia.

He also pointed out that members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has 400 million population which he said is a market opportunity for Saudi Arabi.

Saudi Arabian Finance Minister Dr. Ibrahim Al Assaf said his country is committed to combating hunger, to provide support for East Africa but also generate exports.

“We are here not to impose our needs above the needs of local Population. We are here to work together to support one another and find rescannable and accommodating solutions for both,” he added.

Somali Federal Transitional Government President Sheik Sherrif Ahmed said on the occasion that the forum would lay a foundation for strengthening ties between East African countries and Saudi Arabia.