Day: April 20, 2024

Addis Ababa: Armenia wants to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations with Ethiopia, Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan told ENA.

The longstanding religious, historical and cultural ties between the two countries are foundations that can help as springboard to catalyze the path to expand bilateral and multilateral relations, the Armenian ambassador to Ethiopia added.

The ambassador recalled that Kevork Nalbandian, the musician of Armenian descent, for instance composed Ethiopia’s national anthem, which was in use until 1974.

His nephew is also considered a founder of the modern Ethiopian music, particularly jazz and pop, Ambassador Sargsyan revealed.

According to him, the countries have already been collaborating in culture, education, and some other fields as well as the IT sector.

‘But, of course, we look forward to expand this collaboration and partnership with our friends and partners in other areas. That can be tourism, agriculture, and energy.’

Moreover, he stated that Armenia likes to strengthen m
ultilateral relations beyond bilateral cooperation.

‘My objective as an ambassador here is to unlock the potential for collaboration, not only bilaterally but also multilaterally.’

Although the historical and strong relationship of the two countries goes back to many centuries, the Armenian Embassy in Ethiopia was opened only four years ago.

Yet, it is actively fostering the age-old relationship, he added.

Ambassador Sargsyan revealed plans for a documentary film and concert arrangements aimed at solidifying the cultural and artistic ties between the countries.

Finally, he pointed out that there were also Armenians who helped Ethiopian fighters acquire modern weaponry during the historical Battle of Adwa.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has vowed to make Ethiopia Africa’s Beacon of prosperity and unity by freeing the country from economic dependence.

A forum that brought together many people to support the reformist leadership of Ethiopia was held in Wolkite town, Gorage Zone of the Central Ethiopian region, in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

In his message on the occasion, the premier lauded the people of Gurage zone who promote unity and solidarity.

He emphasized that this is a practical testament which the rest of Ethiopian people should take as a lesson to live harmoniously.

Stressing the need for realizing development and prosperity in Ethiopia, Abiy called on the people of the country to seek peace and harmony in order to see a prosperous and convenient Ethiopia.

The prime minister also noted to accommodate Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic identities, cultures, languages, and topography, adding that these could not be a source of difference to build a strong nation-state.

Abiy further hi
ghlighted that Ethiopia has repeatedly fought for its independence and it is a country that has thwarted all attempts of external aggressions.

However, the country has not realized economic development and freed from dependence in this regard. Thus, the East African nation should strive to extricate itself from economic dependence, he said.

In this case, Prime Minister Abiy mentioned the success of Gurage people as an example for business and trade activities in Ethiopia.

According to him, the people of Gurage’s active engagement in the business sphere, remains a model and would help the endeavors of the nation to free Ethiopia from economic dependence.

He also urged all Ethiopians to stand for development and prosperity.

The prime minister underscored that the nation has embarked on a massive economic development trajectory to make Ethiopia a beacon of Africa’s prosperity. And he called on all Ethiopians to stand together and discharge their national responsibility.

Finally, the premier noted that to r
ealize prosperous Ethiopia through strong efforts, it is crucial to consolidate national unity and defeat the illusionist forces, attempting to divide the public and fuel conflict in the country.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: A public rally was held in support of the ongoing multifaceted national reforms in Wolkite town, Central Ethiopia Regional state, in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

High level federal and regional government officials as well as zonal leaders and residents of Wolkite Town, the capital of the Gurage zone, attended the public rally where various messages were conveyed, it was indicated.

Similar rallies were held in various regions of Ethiopia during the past few weeks in support of the ongoing reforms.

Recall that the Government Communication Service of Ethiopia recently affirmed that vivid results were registered in various spheres over the last six years under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: The Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) has called on the media to play a critical role for the success of the historic national dialogue and transitional justice.

Ethiopian Media Authority Director-General, Mohammed Idris, told ENA that the national dialogue and transitional justice have huge significance in the protection of human rights and ensuring lasting peace in the country.

Realizing national dialogue and transitional justice is vital in building a strong nation, he noted, adding that the active role of all sections of the society will significantly contribute to the success of the processes.

In this regard, the mass media have the responsibility of creating a clear understanding among the general public about the issues and refrain from reports that hinder the process, Mohammed underscored.

The director-general said that the authority will continue to play its role in providing capacity building training for the media to enable them to cover issues and report ethically.

According to him
, the national dialogue and transitional justice will define the future of the country and are of great public interest.

The media should therefore play their role based on such reality.

For Mohammed, the media have crucial role in creating awareness about national dialogue and transitional justice among the public so that they can participate in the process with a spirit of ownership.

Recall that the Government of Ethiopia recently reaffirmed its commitment to implementing transitional justice and national dialogue which are essential to ensure lasting peace.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Ethiopian government has adopted a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of internal conflicts, paving the way for a more harmonious future

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: It is imperative to understand Ethiopia’s legitimate interests and needs to access the sea and ensure economic security for its people, Peter Pham, a former U.S. Special Envoy for the Sahel and Great Lakes Regions of Africa, said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the former U.S. Special Envoy said Ethiopia has played a critical role in providing peace and security throughout the region.

‘It has (therefore) every right to expect in return for that same goodwill and understanding for its legitimate interests and needs within terms of access to the sea and secure economic security for its people. It can’t all be a one way street.’

Speaking about the MoU signed between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, Pham stated that he has been very encouraged by the historic agreement from the very day of the announcement.

‘Why am I so positive? First and foremost, I believe international relations have to be based upon reality — not fiction, not fantasy, not wi
shful thinking but reality. And the reality is the geopolitics and economics of this Horn of Africa region, which is so vital and changing, shifting before our eyes; and we need to adjust to these.’

According to him, the second part of the reality is Ethiopia’s legitimate interest in having ‘what I call redundant port structures.’

Ethiopia is the world’s most populous landlocked state with 120 million people, and to date Djibouti has been providing access for the country.

But, he added that a great country with 120 million people should not rely on one outlet.

The former U.S. Special Envoy further pointed out that as Ethiopia is looking for access to sea the Berbera Port makes sense economically.

‘DP World has already invested in there, and the United Kingdom government is investing in phase two. There’s a road infrastructure, bringing up the port there.’

There is an excellent runway; all sorts of things make that a compelling case, he added.

Moreover, Pham elaborated that Africa as a whole and this re
gion in particular lacks critical infrastructure.

‘I think the key is that Africa as a whole, but this region in lacks critical infrastructure. So I’m very much in favor of anything that contributes to whether ports, roads, energy, electricity. Anything that adds to the stock, that helps create the conditions for economic growth and prosperity shared throughout the region is a positive development.’

Source: Ethiopian News Agency