Latest bonuses to Ethio-Kenya’s growing ties

In recent times, Ethiopia and Kenya have been taking strings steps that would add a boon to the growing all-rounded ties between the two neighboring countries. The countries have been working closely to elevate their longstanding cooperation in socio-economic, security, and political spheres. Lately, the two nations have been renewing their commitment to cement their partnership in security and development issues. There have been high-level visits between the countries with strings of accords being signed.

From the Lamu project to the Moyale one-stop border services, the countries have been working on joint infrastructural developments that would bring dividends to the communities of the two peoples.

Ethiopian Ambassador in Kenya, Meles Alem, said the longstanding diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Kenya are eventually incorporating investments of mutual economic benefits.

Ambassador Meles Alem appeared on 98.4 Capital FM live to talk about Ethiopia and Kenya’s longstanding relationships covering multiple issues, including culture, economy, and politics.

He mentioned the Lamu port project, the Moyale One-Stop Border Point, Safaricom’s, and Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen’s) investments in Ethiopia as notable examples of growing relations between the two countries in the economic sector, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking on the GERD, Ambassador Meles said the building of the dam would benefit downstream countries and other riparian states, further stressing Ethiopia’s natural right to utilize the Nile waters.

Ambassador Meles also spoke about efforts made to cement relations between Ethiopia and Kenya through promoting cultural values and people-to-people engagements.

There are Ethiopian investors in Kenya, he said, reiterating that Ethiopians consider Kenya as their second home.

Meanwhile, the two countries are eyeing sporting events as a new area of cooperation. Both countries that have long dominated world athletics are set to use their respective athletics events as a new frontier of cooperation.

According to Kenyan Newspaper the Nation, the two countries are readying themselves to benefit immensely from the proposed partnership between Eldoret City Marathon and the Great Ethiopian Run.

Ethiopian ambassador to Kenya Meles Alem has observed that, whereas the two countries have been like a family and have always enjoyed friendship in athletics, the partnership promises more opportunities for athletes in terms of competition.

Speaking in Eldoret during the fourth Eldoret City Marathon where he was the chief guest, Alem said that athletics has brought new opportunities for the country as athletes compete internationally.

“A partnership between the two countries is what we have always waited for and I’m happy the journey has started. More opportunities will be created for athletes when we have more such races in Africa. We have strong ties and when such collaboration comes up we have to embrace it,” he said

Alem observed that for many years, athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia have performed well in middle and distance races and a chance to come together would make the races more interesting.

“In the absence of athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia, the races are normally not interesting and that is why coming together is one of the most important things we can do. It will grow to be an African affair. We also need to look into the history and know why Haile Gebrselassie the Ethiopian athletics legend managed to run for many years,” added Alem.

He also observed that the doping menace is something that must be tackled seriously because it’s tarnishing the great reputation of the two countries.

“Doping has become an issue and we have to face it and make sure we eradicate it with all possible means. We advocate for clean athletics and both governments must work together to make make sure we end it,” he said.

Also in the country are the Great Ethiopian Run officials Yetnayet Mekuria and Muluemebet Bahiru who are benchmarking on the marathon race ahead of the partnership which is expected to be sealed later in the year.

Muluemebet told Nation Sport that Eldoret City Marathon is a big race and soon after the deal between the two countries has been signed, athletes from both countries will benefit by being invited to compete in Ethiopia and vice versa.

“We have today witnessed a great race and we hope the partnership will be able to improve sports between the two countries and improve the athletes’ welfare. We shall be happy to see athletes winning in Africa just as they also compete and win in Europe,” said Muluemebet.

Also among the invited guests was Greece Ambassador to Kenya, Vicky Pantazopoulou, world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge, athletics legend Kipchoge Keino, Valencia Marathon champion Lawrence Cherono, former 800m world champion among others.

It is to be recalled that Ethiopia and Kenya have lately agreed to boost their joint cooperation in security to prevent cross-border threats.

Ethiopian Federal Police Commissioner General Demelash Gebre Michael held talks with his Kenyan counterpart Hillary Nzioki Mutyambai today.

On the occasion, the two sides discussed ways of working together to combat terrorism along with the border areas.

Kenyan Inspector General Mutyambai said the officials have agreed to cooperate in ensuring peace and security along with the border areas.

According to him, a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed to that effect.

He further said that the two sides have agreed to share information, training, and capacity building between the two police institutions.

Commissioner General Demelash said on his part the countries have agreed to take joint operations against the terrorist group’s OLF Shene and Al-Shabbab which cause damages along the Ethio-Kenya border.

An agreement would therefore enable to take joint operations against the terrorist groups with the view to ensuring peace in the area, he added.

According to him, the two police institutions will work in cooperation to make sure that the trade and development cooperation are conducted peacefully and legally.

The assertion came at a time when Ethiopian Federal Police Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael received the third Inspector General of the Kenyan National Police Service Commission, Hilary Nzioki Mutyambai at his office and held a discussion on issues of mutual concern.

The two agreed to launch a joint operation against Al-Shabab and Shene groups to stop hostile activities by the two organizations.

It is stated on the occasion that the two countries will sign MoU for the joint operation within a month.

Inspector General Hilary Nzioki Mutyambai, for his part, said Ethiopia and Kenya agreed to enhance cooperation in the exchange of information, adding that the MoU will enable the countries to ensure cross-border peace and security.

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2022

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