The tripartite negotiation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is being conducted carefully. Ethiopia is working to reach an agreement that does not limit Ethiopia’s development rights. Based on the agreement of the two countries’ leaders, the negotiators are instructed to reach an agreement within four months. After that instruction, the talk resumed from where the negotiation stopped.

The negotiation started in good spirits. And during the negotiations, 16 Articles were presented and nine of them have already been edited to include the ideas of all the three countries. All the three countries have participated in this new first-round negotiation.

Ambassador Engineer Sileshi Bekele (PhD), Ethiopia’s negotiating team leader on GERD tripartite talks

 The outgoing Ethiopian year, 2015 E.C., is historical for Ethiopia as it showcased major successes in different arenas including wheat export, signing of Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and BRICS membership.

During the year, a lot of historical and unforgettable events have been recoded. Some of the events reversed the challenge that was posed on Ethiopia’s unity. For instance, the Pretoria Peace Agreement resolved the two-year- long war and thwarted enemy quarters’ attempts to dismantle the country.

The government sets a plan of action for the next year to tackle the pressing-challenges including the soaring increase in the cost of living and sporadic unrests.”

Kebede Desissa, State Minister, Government Communication Service

 Amhara state administration will make determined efforts to reverse the security challenge that is posed on the public and normalizing the situation. The Ethiopian National Defense Force deserves praise for its contribution and struggle to the country, especially to the people of Amhara.

I call the public to uphold collaborations with the government in safeguarding peace and security.

Arega Kebede, Newly-elected Amhara State Chief

 Ethiopia’s admission into the BRICS economic bloc showcases its status as an emerging regional player with a growing diplomatic influence. Ethiopia’s accession into the group is a manifestation of its growing diplomatic influence.

Cognizant of the fact that many countries with large GDP are knocking the doors of the BRICS for long, Ethiopia’s entry is a great political and diplomatic achievement. Ethiopia’s noble place in Africa’s history, its large and young population and immense natural resources have put it in a better position to join the group.

Professor Yacob Arsano, Addis Ababa University Political Science and International Relations Instructor

 Ethiopia’s membership to BRICS will potentially boost investment from member states and can help in accelerating the overall economic growth.

BRICS is a conglomeration of countries with the fast growing economies; represent more than 40 percent of the world population and 30 percent of the global GDP, with geographical strategic position, and technological advancement. Ethiopia’s membership to BRICS would boost FDI and accelerate economic development.

Costantinos Berhetesfa, Senior Economist

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2023