ADDIS ABABA- Qatari Ambassador to Ethiopia Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Dosari said the recent high-level exchange visits made between Ethiopia and Qatar take the two countries multifaceted relations to new heights. The Ambassador also stated that a Qatari-funded kidney specialized hospital is soon to open in Addis Ababa.
Ambassador Hamad noted thatthe visit of the then Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to Ethiopia in 2013 opened a new era in the two countries’ diplomatic and political relations and enabling them to sign several Memorandums of Understanding in various fields of cooperation.
The visit of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Addis Ababa, followed by the visit of Ethiopia’s former Prime Minister, Hailemariam Dessalegn to Doha in 2017 further cemented the two countries all rounded partnership, he added.
It was indicated that the various developments coincided with high-level visits including signing of agreements, a tour of cultural trope and resumption of direct flights are also the manifestation for the boost in the Ethio-Qatar relations.
Trade and investment ties between the two countries are also progressing and a growing number of Qatari investors showed interest to involve in Ethiopia’s agriculture,sugar industry, petrochemicals, energy and mining sectors among others. Recently, Qatar-based real estate company, Ezdan Holding Group secured plot of land for the construction ofmixed-use buildings in Addis Ababa.
Commending Ethiopia’s principled stand on the Gulf Crises and its support for Kuwait-led peace process, Ambassador Hamad said that promotingand developingbilateraltieswith Ethiopia inpolitical,economic and social frontiers is a priority for his country.
Qatar aims to work with Ethiopia in social development and allocated 14 million USD loan to support the education sector, the ambassador noted, adding that consensus was reached to open Qatari-funded kidney specialized hospital in Ethiopia.
Accordingly, Minister of Health Dr. Amir Aman and Ambassador Hamad, on the behalf of Qatar Foundation, signed agreement for the construction of the hospital on last Wednesday.
After the signing ceremony, the minister said that the hospital would have a vital role to address the kidney health delivery gaps in Addis Ababa and the country at large. The medical center is also an important practical and symbolic gesture of the spirit of solidarity, friendship and partnership between Ethiopiaand Qatar.
Ethiopia and Qatar established diplomatic relations in 1995 and the ties further nourishedwiththe openingof their respective embassies in 2012.
Herald December 14/2018
BY BILAL DERSO
