ADDIS ABABA– Ethiopia shared its experience in parliamentary structure, education, and agricultural reforms with South Sudanese parliament members during a meeting held yesterday in Addis Ababa.
The two high-level legislative delegations discussed experience-sharing on significant issues and explored ways to collaborate for mutual benefit. The Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) transferred knowledge and insights to the South Sudanese parliament members. Both parties pledged to strengthen bilateral relations in various areas, including parliamentary structure, education, agricultural transformation with a focus on wheat production, budgeting, finance, and regional peace.
During the meeting, Deputy Secretary General of the HoPR, Nigussie Meshesha (PhD), stated that Ethiopia is committed to sharing its expertise in economic and financial management with South Sudan, the youngest nation in Africa.
“Ethiopia has played a key role in South Sudan’s journey to its current state and independence. Our two sister nations share common borders, cultures, languages, business interactions, and natural resources such as rivers and national parks,” Nigussie said. He emphasized Ethiopia’s support for South Sudan’s independence and its continued efforts to resolve challenges faced by its neighbor.
Nigussie further highlighted the shared resources between the two nations, such as rivers and parks, which can be utilized for mutual development. He noted the ongoing development of bilateral relations, including the establishment of embassies in Addis Ababa and Juba. “Ethiopia can share its experience in corridor development, finance, and budgeting to help South Sudan effectively manage its resources during its budget year,” he added.
The South Sudan National Legislative Delegation Chair, James MagokAter, acknowledged Ethiopia’s significant role in the creation of South Sudan. “We have learned from Ethiopia’s parliamentary working system and management. Ethiopia has played a crucial role in the independence of our nation and continues to be a home for South Sudanese people,” he said.
He also praised Ethiopia for its unwavering support during South Sudan’s crises, including violent clashes, political instability, and food insecurity. “Since independence, we have faced various challenges, but Ethiopia has always been by our side,” Magok noted.
A member of South Sudan’s National Assembly, Goc Makuac Mayol, highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer for the development of their legislative body. He noted that after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, South Sudan adopted a parliamentary system modeled in part on Ethiopia’s approach.
“We benefit greatly from our neighbor, Ethiopia, and aim to strengthen our bilateral relations further. Specifically, we seek to gain new knowledge about budgeting and how to enhance our future collaboration,” Goc said.
The meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to foster stronger ties and share experiences for sustainable development and peace in the region.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2024
