Ethio-Yemeni relations date back to ancient times. References such as wall inscriptions confirm that their relations date back to ancient times during the kingdom of Axum.
Yemen and Ethiopia enjoyed extensive trade relations during medieval times. Yemeni merchants exported incense, Luban (natural frankincense), gemstones and animal skins to Ethiopia, while Ethiopians exported clothing, farm equipment, weapons, spices, and cattle to Yemen. Trade relations between Yemen and the African Horn at that time were stronger than those between Yemen and other Gulf countries.
In times of crisis, Yemen provided a safe haven for Ethiopian refugees and Ethiopia, in turn, accepted Yemeni immigrants during times of political upheaval. The people of the two countries have strong cultural ties.
Yemeni Ambassador to Ethiopia Yahya al-Eryani on Monday gave testimony to this fact to the Yemeni media. He said as soon as one lands in Ethiopia, he/she Ethiopia will soon feel the smell of Ethiopian coffee, which is linked to the hospitality of the Ethiopian woman before the man. High-quality coffee with good smell can be found scattered in the neighborhoods and streets of the capital of this great country.
In the capital, the movement of people and their daily actions demonstrate the greatness of these people and their love for peace and coexistence. One cannot differentiate between Ethiopians despite the plurality of nationalities.
Islam is also present in the spirit and conscience of these people, he said. “You find the bells of the churches and the minarets of the mosques in the various neighborhoods of the capital Addis Ababa, each respects the belief of the other. They are gathered by the “one Ethiopian spirit.
This land gave the Yemeni expatriate safety and love. What happened to any Yemeni on any spot of the land of brotherly Ethiopia is the loving and welcoming spirit of the sons of Najashi with soft hearts …
“I have a strong desire every now and then to go to Mercato market, the main market and the beating heart of the capital Addis Ababa where many Yemenis owned shops,” he said adding “it was the main stop for their start to expand their business and investment activities throughout Ethiopia in general.”
Ethiopians consider the Yemeni migrants as brothers. The exceptional treatment every Yemeni expatriate receives there is amazing. This treatment is the result of the historical, cultural and people-to-people ties of the two countries. Indeed the two peoples have common history and customs and traditions.
“Thank you, the grandsons of the great Nagashi, and thank you Ethiopia, a country with history and civilization, thanks to Ethiopia and its wise leadership,” he said.
The Ethiopian Herald October 10, 2019
BY STAFF REPORTER
