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Pence noted Abiy's efforts at "improving respect for human
rights, reforming the business environment, and making peace
with Eritrea," the statement said.
"The two leaders underscored their countries' shared values and
their commitment to building an even stronger partnership in the
days ahead," it said.
Under Abiy, Ethiopia has instituted reforms including releasing
political prisoners, diluting state control of the economy and
making peace with northern neighbor Eritrea after two decades of
hostility.
A 41-year-old former intelligence officer, Abiy came to power
after his predecessor resigned earlier this year amid protests
against abuses by security forces and public anger over
perceived ethnic marginalization of many groups in the racially
diverse country.
While in Washington Abiy was also scheduled to meet with members
of Ethiopia's large diaspora community in the United States,
whose remittances have helped prop up the economy.
Abiy is also due to visit Minneapolis and Los Angeles.
He met on Friday with International Monetary Fund Managing
Director Christine Lagarde, who said they had "an engaging and
productive meeting."
"I reiterated the IMF's commitment to work with the Ethiopian
authorities to ensure that the economy achieves high rates of
sustainable and inclusive growth to reduce poverty," she said in
a statement.
(Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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