Ethiopia desirous to transform its ties with India to a strategic level: Ambassador

Addis Ababa, March 16, 2021 (FBC) – In an exclusive interview with DD India, Ambassador of Ethiopia to India, Dr. Tizita Mulugeta said her country is desirous to transform its relationship with India to a strategic level.

Saying that Ethiopia and India have a very long history of relationship that dates back to 2,000 years ago, the ambassador said the two nations have been enjoying cordial relationship in the social, political, economic and peace and security issues.

Recalling the recent visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen to India and visit of Indian President President Shri Ram Nath Kovind to Ethiopia in 2017, the ambassador said the two countries have witnessed many official level visits even in the time of Emperor Haileselassie.

The investment link between Ethiopia and India is growing faster, the ambassador said, adding that her country is working to attract more investors from India especially in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors through utilization of policy based mechanisms.

Currently there are around 600 Indian companies operating in Ethiopia giving job opportunity access to more than 75,000 Ethiopians, according to the Ambassador.

Ethiopia has now put in place various incentives in the foreign and signed several international agreements that support its efforts in the foreign investment sector, she said.

India and Ethiopia have many things in common in social spheres that can foster people to people ties among the nations, she noted, expressing keenness of her coutry to further deepen ties with India in this sphere.

She further commended contribution of Indian teahers in Ethiopia’s academic welfare starting from the early 1960s, and said there are hundreds of Ethiopian students studying in India sponsored by the nation.

Recollecting India’s central role for the establishment the Harar Military Academy of Ethiopia, and support to the institution in 1950s, the ambassador said the two countries have a fertile ground to strengthen cooperation in peace and security area.

Ambassador Tizita said the government of Ethiopia is committed to effectively implement the recent agreements it signed with India in areas of visa facilitation and leather technology and other economic spheres.

She extended gratitude for the government of India for its position in the UNSC in support of Ethiopia in the current situation.

Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Ambassador Tizita said the dam has a crucial role in addressing energy demand and enhancing economic integration with neighboring countries and the region at large. The construction dam will never cause any significant harm to downstream countries rather it addresses problems related to flooding and silt sediments in countries like Sudan.

She further said Ethiopia has conducted the law enforcement operation in Tigray to preserve law and order and now is undertaking a wide range of humanitarian, rehabilitation and rebuilding activities in affected areas of the region.