Ethiopia signs agreement with France to strengthen educational cooperation

Addis Ababa, November 30, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia and France signed an intergovernmental agreement aimed at enhancing long-standing educational partnership, specifically the Lycée Guebre-Mariam High School in Addis Ababa.

The signing ceremony took place in the school’s amphitheater, attended by Ethiopia’s Minister of Education, Professor Berhanu Nega, and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot.

In his remarks, Professor Berhanu highlighted the importance of the agreement, which has been under negotiation for over a year.

He noted that the school, established in 1947, has been a vital institution fostering strong ties between Ethiopia and France.

“This agreement modernizes our partnership, ensuring its relevant in the 21st century,” Professor Berhanu said.

A key element of the agreement includes a commitment to allocate 10 percent of student admissions to children of low-income families with full scholarships.

“Education should not be a privilege limited to those with financial means,” Professor Berhanu emphasized.

“This initiative reflects our shared vision of equitable access to high-quality education and our commitment to creating a more inclusive and stable society,” he said.

“This is an exciting moment for our bilateral relations,” Berhanu said, adding “We are confident that this agreement will continue to build bridges between our two countries for generations to come.”

French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised the school’s role in strengthening bilateral relations and its contribution to the educational landscape in Ethiopia.

He acknowledged the school’s reputation for academic excellence and inclusiveness, which opens doors to prestigious higher education institutions worldwide.

The new agreement reaffirms the unique status of Lycée Guebre-Mariam High School as both an Ethiopian and a French institution, Minister Barrot said.

He also commended the dedication of the school’s staff and alumni for their role in fostering lasting bonds between the two nations.

The agreement, according to local newswire service ENA, marks a significant milestone in Ethio-French educational cooperation, introducing a more inclusive governance structure and expanding access for Ethiopian students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

The initiative is expected to further strengthen the 77-year legacy of Lycée Guebre-Mariam School and enhance the already robust Ethio-French partnership.