The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) said in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa Wednesday it will further strengthen its assistance to Ethiopia in the years ahead.

After his talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, UNDP Africa Regional Director Gilbert Houngbo told journalists that the UN agency will redouble its efforts to help the Horn of Africa country to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The MDGs are aimed at eradicating absolute poverty and hunger, reducing by half the number of people living on less than a dollar a day, and meeting a number of other key indicators of social and economic progress for the world's poor.

He also lauded Ethiopia's efforts to achieve the MDGs, saying that Ethiopia is "doing its level best to meet the MDGs."

Houngbo, who arrived here Tuesday on an official visit, outlined some of the activities of the UNDP in Ethiopia, which include the programs for good governance, food security, HIV/AIDS, water and environment, economic growth and IT industry, among others.

According to an Ethiopian Foreign Ministry official, who attended the talks, Prime Minister Meles said UNDP's contribution in enhancing the country's all-round development endeavors is " considerable."

Meles said Ethiopia has managed to register an over 10 percent economic growth over the last three consecutive years in its drive to meet the MDGs.

During the talks, the prime minister requested the UNDP to continue assisting Ethiopia to help it achieve its development goals.

Ethiopia is one of the poorest nations on earth and its development efforts have to rely on massive foreign aid.

Source: Xinhua