ADDIS ABABA- Senior government officials highlighted that the BRICS membership has given Ethiopia significant diplomatic edge and leverage in various areas.
During a round table discussion regarding BRICS membership role for the country, Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos (PhD) noted that Ethiopia’s membership to BRICS bloc would serve the country to ensure its national and the Africa’s interests as a whole.
As a country with long years of strong diplomatic journey and being founding member of different international organizations, its membership would play pan- African role in shaping the new world order, he said.
He also mentioned that following country’s rapid economic growth, joining bloc would serve the nation in ensuring financial provision.
National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) Director General Redwan Hussien highlighted that BRICS membership has increased country’s visibility in different corners.
Apart from echoing Africa’s voice, as part of its non-alignment strategy, it would serve in promoting peace, negotiation and peaceful resolution among countries.
Moreover, he added that it contributes to attracting new investment while ensuring ease of doing business and areas of cooperation. Nonetheless, the nation needs to give due emphasis creating business friendly environment.
For Mamo Mihretu, Governor of National Bank of Ethiopia, Ethiopia’s diplomatic history has remained consistent which has also been showcased in joining the bloc.
Recently, Ethiopia has engaged in preparing BRICS foreign policy engagement strategy, while it has undertaken several steps to become member of the bloc’s development bank, as to him.
Reminding that BRICS member countries have signed over 30 memorandum of understanding (MoU) on various areas, he indicated that the nation is seeking opportunities that fits with its term and conditions so as to benefit from the agreements.
Economically, he stressed that it would attract guaranteed and well facilitated business market for investors in the nation. It is important to note that the bloc would open door for financial provision which is the core for investment, he added.
Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, on his part stated that Ethiopia’s membership to BRICS is double opportunity as its foreign policy anchors cooperation.
Besides smoothly integrating in the bloc, joining the bloc has contributed to enhancing nation’s former bilateral and multilateral relation and cooperation with member states.
Moreover, it has created trust and strengthened its cooperation on security, politics, business, and economic issues with countries.
Mentioning that over 200 discussions were held in Russia, he said that Ethiopia took part in around 120 ones where the country built its image as well as draw valuable lesson from the discussions.
The fact that Ethiopia’s role is immense in ensuring collective security, now that the country is member of the bloc, its role in peace and security would also be enhanced globally, he added.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
The Ethiopian Herald November 3/2024
