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U.S. Vice President Mike Pence met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday and praised Abiy's "historic reform efforts" since the takeover in April, the White House said in a statement.
Pence noted Abiy's efforts "Both leaders emphasized the shared values of their countries and their commitment to building an even stronger partnership in the days to come," the statement said.
Under Abiy, Ethiopia instituted reforms including the release of political prisoners, diluting control of the economy and making peace with the northern neighbor Eritrea after two decades of hostility.
Abiy, 41-year-old power after his predecessor resigned earlier this year amid protests against abuses by security forces and public anger over the perceived ethnic marginalization of many people
During his While in Washington, Abiy was also scheduled to meet with members of the larger Ethiopian diaspora community in the United States, whose remittances helped support the economy.
Abiy must also visit Minneapolis and Los Angeles.
He met Friday with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, who said that they had "a stimulating and productive meeting."
"I reiterated the IMF's commitment to working with the Ethiopian authorities. The economy is achieving high rates of sustainable and inclusive growth to reduce poverty," she said. in a press release
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