The European Union (EU) said Tuesday Ethiopia has been the main beneficiary of the EU's development assistance.

At a ceremony marking the Europe Day, Tim Clarke, head of the EU mission in Ethiopia, said the EU had earmarked over 500 million US dollars for five years for the implementation of development activities in Ethiopia.

He said the sum had been allocated for years 2002-2007, adding that the multi-dimensional cooperation between the EU and Ethiopia would be enhanced in the years ahead.

Clarke said that apart from significant development support European countries extend to Ethiopia, they are strong business partners.

He also lauded the roles Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has been playing in maintaining peace and work for bringing about economic development and social progress in Africa as well as for the enhancement of the African Commission established by British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Clarke also commended the government and the public, particularly the Ethiopian children and youth for their contribution in the observance of Europe Day in Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Meles said on his part that the EU has been a strong development partner of Ethiopia, adding that the development cooperation between Ethiopia and the EU has reached a superb level.

Meles said Ethiopia and European countries have diplomatic relations for a long time, and their cooperation was showing a steady growth.

Meles said the government of Italy, particularly Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, had contributed their share in the return of Axum obelisk to the country of its origin, which he said, would help enhance the cooperation between Ethiopia and Italy, or Ethiopia and Europe.