Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi announced a new status for bilateral relations following joint talks. The main decision was the transition from historical interaction to strategic partnership. This was reported by Fana Media Corporation (FMC), a partner of TV BRICS.

During the meetings, the parties signed a number of agreements and agreed to increase humanitarian assistance. The signed package included an agreement on mutual administrative assistance on customs matters, a memorandum on the establishment of a data processing centre at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a memorandum on cooperation in UN peacekeeping missions. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recalled the historical ties on which the new partnership is built.

“Ethiopia–India cooperation is grounded in equality and self-reliance. It is rooted in South–South cooperation and aligns with development priorities defined and led by Africa” – Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia

For his part, Narendra Modi confirmed that the decision would give momentum to all areas of bilateral work. He also announced that India intends to double the number of scholarships offered to Ethiopian students.

“Today, we are elevating India–Ethiopia relations to the level of a strategic partnership. This decision would give new momentum and depth to cooperation between the two countries” – Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

It is noted that India is one of the leading investors in Ethiopia’s economy, with more than 615 Indian companies operating there. In 2023, India supported the African Union, headquartered in Addis Ababa, in joining the Group of Twenty (G20). The new partnership focuses on the economy, technology, security, and human capital development.

African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS