-Ambassador highlights cultural exchanges’ importance
ADDIS ABABA–The Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia emphasized the significance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in enhancing bilateral relations during the Japan Culture Day celebration held at RasMekonnen Hall, Addis Ababa University (AAU).
Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Shibata Hironori stated that such exchanges are crucial pillars in deepening mutual understanding between the citizens of Ethiopia and Japan, complementing economic and political ties. He affirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening the historic bilateral relations between the two nations.
Ethiopia and Japan have enjoyed nearly a century of friendship since the Treaty of Amity was signed in 1930, marking Japan’s first diplomatic relations with an African nation. Since then, the two countries have reinforced their political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.
In the economic sphere, Japan has provided official development assistance in various sectors since 1963, including humanitarian and peace-building support to Ethiopia.
Regarding people-to-people exchanges, the Ambassador noted that his government’s scholarship programs have enabled over 300 Ethiopians to study in Japan over the past two decades, with many alumni now teaching at universities, including AAU. Additionally, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has invited approximately 3,700 Ethiopians to Japan for training programs and dispatched around 2,200 Japanese experts to various Ethiopian ministries.
Over the past 50 years, more than 700 Japanese volunteers have worked alongside Ethiopian counterparts in schools, hospitals, and NGOs, contributing to Ethiopia’s development by sharing their skills, knowledge, and experiences.
AAU Interim President,Samuel Kifle (PhD), noted that the cultural day serves as a reminder of the longstanding cultural connections between Ethiopia and Japan, dating back to 1930. He mentioned collaborations in arts, sports, and disciplines such as karate.
Kifle acknowledged the strength of political and economic ties between the two countries and expressed gratitude for the scholarships and training programs facilitated by the Japanese embassy and JICA, which have significantly benefited AAU’s faculty and students.
He also mentioned ongoing initiatives with JICA to support AAU startups, underscoring the continued support from the Japanese ambassador and JICA office in these endeavors.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 24 NOVEMBER 2024
