Kyrgyzstan Applauds Ethiopia’s Climate Change Initiatives, Commitment to Sustainable Development

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2024 (FMC) – On Tuesday, Jemal Beker Abdula, Ethiopia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kyrgyzstan, presented his credentials to Sadyr Zhaparov, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, during a formal ceremony at the Presidential House in Bishkek.

As a Non-Resident Ambassador, Ambassador Jemal represents Ethiopia in Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan from his base in Islamabad.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Jemal conveyed warm greetings from Ethiopia’s President, Taye Atske Selassie, to President Zhaparov and the people of Kyrgyzstan, expressing wishes for the nation’s prosperity and advancement.

In his address, the Ambassador emphasized the extensive reforms Ethiopia has implemented across various sectors, enhancing its global outreach and facilitating economic growth through green development initiatives. He articulated Ethiopia’s proactive approach to tackling current regional and international challenges, underscoring the nation’s leadership role in African development, peace-building, and fostering cooperation across the continent.

Ambassador Jemal highlighted the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project as a landmark initiative based on the principles of equitable resource utilization and pan-African solidarity. He also referenced the Green Legacy Initiative of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), aimed at combating climate change through afforestation, environmental restoration, and food security efforts.

Furthermore, he expressed Ethiopia’s eagerness to bolster its bilateral ties with Kyrgyzstan through enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, aviation, education, and health.

President Zhaparov reciprocated by recognizing the significant reforms instituted by Ethiopia and commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for addressing climate concerns through multi-faceted initiatives like the Green Legacy Initiative. He stressed the need for global support for such sustainable development efforts, particularly in nations most affected by climate change.

The President reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Ethiopia, expressing hopes for a future marked by robust friendship and cooperation, and assured Ambassador Jemal of his complete support in this endeavor.