ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on Thursday expressed Ethiopia's readiness to bolster bilateral ties with Venezuela and other countries in Latin America.

    After holding discussions with Reinaldo Bolivar, Venezuelan deputy minister of foreign affairs for Africa, Meles said his government would do everything possible in support of Venezuela's effort geared toward forging closer bilateral relations with Ethiopia and other African countries.

    Meanwhile, Bolivar, who is on a three-day official visit to Ethiopia, said Venezuela's decision to strengthen bilateral ties with Ethiopia and other African countries is timely.

    At a joint press conference, Bolivar said his country has been exerting utmost efforts to cement closer ties with Ethiopia and other African countries through South-South Cooperation.

    Venezuela and Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a consultative process between the foreign ministries of the two countries, said the Venezuelan official.

    During Bolivar's visit, Venezuela reopened its embassy in Ethiopia and operated at charge d'affaires level.

    Venezuela, which has its embassies in eight African countries, will raise the number of its embassies to 18. Enditem