Ethiopia and Djibouti, which are located in the turbulent yet strategically important Horn of Africa, share deep sense of comradeship. The cordial friendship may be seen as the epitome of mutual respect and win-win cooperation.
The two neighboring nations have persevered all-weather partnership in spite of all regional odds. The collaboration can serve as a valuable model of instance for Africa and beyond as the two neighboring nations continue to enjoy unbreakable bond to date.
The historic ties that date back to 1984 have grown to be been stronger over time. Linked by electricity networks and other services, Addis Ababa and Djibouti have seen a more optimistic phase of collaboration, albeit regional dynamism. It is also not overstated to say that the partnership is regarded as one of the most solid and seamless ones, significantly enhancing the safety and tranquility of the region, plagued by violence.
The two countries have been able to enhance their bilateral collaboration in a number of areas, and the unbreakable bond has persisted over time and is only getting momentum. Ethiopia sends fresh fruits and water to Djibouti, while the former is mostly dependent on the latter for its imports and exports.
Ethiopians and Djiboutians are bound together by geography as well as shared cultural practices, linguistic traits, and a common destiny. The collaboration in infrastructure connectivity grew stronger over time.
Both nations’ socioeconomic development is supported by the longstanding people to people partnership. In addition to the shared opportunities, both countries deal with similar threats. A few to name are the growing militarization, piracy, terrorism, and illegal arms and human trafficking. To address these issues, the two countries have signed a number of accords and have been working together. The countries resolve to fight common threats was evident in their battle against the terrorist organization Al-Shabab. The friendly relationship has also been sustained by the leaders of both nations’ unwavering stance in elevating close bond.
In order to achieve mutual benefits, the two nations have been collaborating on shared projects including ports, water, highways, railroads, electricity, and other crucial services. Accompanied by mutual trust, the countries are experiencing encouraging collaboration in infrastructure, trade, politics, and economics.
Regretfully and with shame, there have been many who have attempted to misconstrue the Prime Minister’s remarks about the Red Sea. These groups have been spreading misleading information, alleging that Ethiopia’s ambitions in the Red Sea make it a threat to its neighbors. This slanderous allegation and disinformation campaign cannot ruin the amicable ties between the two nations.
Ethiopia has stated unequivocally that it does not intend to use force to protect its interests in the Red Sea. Furthermore, the nation’s proposition merely supports a compromise. Ethiopia firmly believes that utilizing the Red Sea in a win-win manner will help the entire area and open the door for regional development. It is important to remember that the growing relationship won’t be harmed by foolish propaganda or bad deeds in this regard. And, last week both nations agreed to cement bilateral cooperation.
The president of the Djibouti National Assembly, Dileita Mohamed Dileita, stated that Ethiopia and Djibouti must forge a solid bilateral partnership in order to further guarantee peace and regional integration.
Dileita Mohamed has addressed the House of People’s Representatives last week. According to him, the foundation of Ethiopia and Djibouti’s relationship is people-to-people links and the cooperative philosophy. Building strong people-to-people ties between the two nations are essential to establishing robust cooperation, ENA reported.
Dileita Mohamed Dileita said that the purpose of his visit is to deepen the bilateral ties between the two nations in a number of areas.
He stated that sports development is also crucial and that we must work in this area. He also mentioned that we have launched a number of initiatives in this area that would foster constructive bilateral relations between the citizens of the two nations.
The President of the Djibouti National Assembly emphasized that the countries’ continuous cooperation in a number of areas has to be expedited.
He clarified that other African nations might look to the infrastructure development between the two countries in terms of energy connections, water supplies, railroad lines, and fiber optic projects. Among the many development schemes initiated by the leaders of the two countries, green development is the driving force. This will be of great importance to increase forest development and prevent desertification.
Better movement of the people among the countries is vital, he said, citing the fruitful consultations held to strengthen people-to people relations. This is the main purpose of my visit, the president said, adding it is to strengthen cooperation.
We understand that Ethiopia is a strong country. It has a population of more than 120 million. That is why the two countries have to work together, he stressed.
“The challenges we are facing are same, our values are same. Our desire for peace and prosperity is the same. The challenges we are facing are the same.
The responsibilities on our shoulders are the same. The problems faced in Ethiopia are not different from ours. Any event that takes place in the world affects our two countries. This is the same issue we have seen during COVID.
Hence, we must exert efforts to address these challenges together and overcome them.”
Djibouti and Ethiopia are trade partners based on mutual benefits and are also the main investors for one another, he said, adding, “Djibouti is a country with a developing economy. It is our willingness and desire to strengthen this relationship. That is why we need strong and mutually beneficial economic ties.”
He underlined the need to increase the historical relations of the friendly peoples of the two countries by taking parliament to parliament relations to a higher level.
The president stressed that members of parliament should work hard to further enhance the strong diplomatic, economic and social ties between the countries.
He commended Ethiopia’s efforts to establish continental organizations and Africans to be economically connected, as well as to create integration among neighboring countries based on mutual benefit.
Dileita Mohamed Dileita also said Ethiopia and Djibouti will work to strengthen their cooperation through technology and infrastructure.
A delegation led by Djibouti National Assembly President, Dileita Mohamed Dileita is in Addis Ababa for an official working visit to Ethiopia.
The delegation held bilateral discussions with government officials and visited various development projects in Addis Ababa.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 26 DECEMBER 2023
