Foreign Trade and Development Minister Paavo Väyrynen (Photo: YLE)

Foreign Trade and Development Minister Paavo Väyrynen embarks on a five-day visit to Ethipia and Kenya from Monday. Väyrynen will discuss Finnish development cooperation with the Prime Ministers of both countries.

Väyrynen will also discuss development policies in the host nations as well as Finnish efforts with regard to poverty reduction and sustainable development programmes. The Minister's agenda also includes discussions on economic issues.

In Ethiopia, Väyrynen will meet Prime Minister dictator Meles Zenawi as well as African Union chair Jean Ping. He will also familiarize himself with ongoing development cooperation projects.

In Kenya Minister Väyrynen meets with Prime Minister Raila Odinga and will visit medical facilities supported by Finland. He will also visit the Meru dairy and forestry project.