-Mark 94th Saudi Nat’l Day
ADDIS ABABA –Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia have expressed their desire to further strengthen the deep-rooted diplomatic and economic ties, which have flourished for over 70 years.
Recognizing Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as a major trading partner and a key source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing this partnership during the celebration of the 94thNational Day of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday.
Speaking at the event, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Middle East, Asian, and Pacific Affairs Director General Ambassador Negus Kebede highlighted the historical bond between the two nations. He recalled Ethiopia’s welcoming of the early followers of Prophet Muhammad, a gesture that cemented the brotherly relationship symbolized by the Nejashi Mosque. This connection, he noted, continues to thrive through mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for prosperity.
Ambassador Negus mentioned the growing economic relationship between the two countries, noting that Saudi investments have been instrumental in advancing Ethiopia’s manufacturing, agriculture, and real estate sectors, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. Ethiopia remains a key exporter of livestock, food, coffee, and flowers to Saudi Arabia, while Saudi petroleum products continue to fuel Ethiopian industries.
He underscored the importance of collaboration on food security and environmental sustainability, with both nations championing green initiatives. Saudi Arabia’s Middle East Green Initiative and Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative were cited as critical components of this partnership. The ambassador also referenced the Saudi-Africa Summit held in November 2023, which marked a new chapter in Saudi-Africa relations.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Fahd O. Alhumaydani (PhD), echoed these sentiments, praising the significant progress in Saudi-Ethiopian ties. He pointed to the success of the Sixth Session of the Saudi-Ethiopian Joint Ministerial Commission in May 2024 and the June visit of a high-ranking Saudi business delegation to Ethiopia, which included over 75 representatives from major Saudi companies. The ambassador expressed optimism about the future of Saudi-Ethiopian economic cooperation, which is poised for expansion across multiple sectors.
“A key indicator of this strengthening relationship has been the increase in direct flights between the two countries. Ethiopian Airlines, Saudi Airlines, and Flynas now operate 50 direct flights per week between cities in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, with plans to further increase this number in the near future,” he elaborated.
Ambassador Alhumaydani also commended Ethiopia’s economic reforms, urban development projects, and the corridor development project in Addis Ababa, which have significantly improved the quality of life in the capital. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which has propelled the Kingdom forward in tourism, sports, investment, and culture, surpassing its 2030 tourism target by welcoming 109 million visitors in 2023.
The ambassador also noted Saudi Arabia’s selection to host Expo 2030 and its bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2034 as evidence of its growing global prominence. The celebration underscored the shared vision of both nations for continued collaboration and development, with Ethiopia standing to benefit from increased Saudi investments as part of the Kingdom’s broader engagement with Africa.
BY BILAL DERSO
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2024
