ADDIS ABABA – Uganda’s largest and oldest higher learning institution Makerere University disclosed its commitment to strengthen cooperation with Ethiopian universities.
University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said yesterday while he welcomes the Ethiopian Public Diplomacy delegation that Makerere University and Addis Ababa University are both members of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).
Therefore, he said that the universities are going to conduct more research and innovations so as to accelerate economic growth of their respective countries and also to the continent too. The Vice Chancellor also stated that the longstanding relationship between Makerere and Addis Ababa, Mekelle University and the University of Gondar will be strengthened. “I hope that this visit will facilitate even greater collaborations especially in the area of staff and student exchanges.”
The Ethiopian Parliament Peace and Foreign Relations Standing Committee Chairman Tesfaye Daba for his part said that Uganda and Ethiopia have similar cultural values and historic ties and the visit would help to further cement diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda Alemtsehay Meseret on the occasion noted that various African leaders often promote the integration of various regional economic communities. As to her, Ethiopia and Uganda have similar values and cultures which need to be explored and built up so that they can be shared with future generations. “We need to come up with a way to network our various associations of theatre, music, poetry and film”.
She also stressed that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Uganda and Ethiopia need to come up with a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) incorporating the ideas discussed in the meeting.
Prof. Nawangwe pledged to make similar tour to Ethiopia by organizing public diplomacy made up of stakeholders from various Ugandan bodies and Makerere University as per the request form Tesfaye.
The Ethiopian delegation that comprised more than 50 public diplomats of government officials, religious leaders, scholars, artists and media practitioners will also meet President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda’s business community, board of tourism, religious leaders, and Ethiopian community in Uganda.
Accompanying by Ambassador Alemtsehay, the delegation has been yet met and discussed with Uganda’s MPs, Energy and Mineral Development Minister.
The Ethiopian Herald, November 29/2019
BY STAFF REPORTER
