ADDIS ABABA– Ethiopia has enjoyed a unique relationship with the Middle East and Asian countries as the latter have no desire to interfere in domestic affairs and promote mutual respect, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said.
Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Countries Affairs Director General at MoFA Ambassador Gebeyehu Ganga (PhD) told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that the country is working to strengthen its relations with those that do not meddle in its domestic matters.
Mentioning Ethiopia’s cordial relationship with countries in the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, the diplomat indicated that the bond with Middle East is especially strong in terms of culture and religion. Also, a large number of Ethiopians live and work in Middle East countries and changing their livelihoods.
According to him, among Asian countries, Ethiopia has reached the level of strategic partnership with China and strong collaborations have also been formed with Japan, Korea, and India in education, trade, investment, technology transfer, and human resource development. “This shows that the countries have a relationship with the idea of traveling together regardless of internal or external pressure.”
The director general further highlighted that Ethiopia’s relations with Middle East countries notably Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are invigorating in various areas of mutual benefits. The two energy-rich countries are becoming sources of investment and market destinations for Ethiopia and they are also supporting the latter in the field of education, science and health.
“Currently, Ethiopian citizens are legally traveling to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, and other Middle East countries for employment in various fields. Similar labor pacts will be made soon with Bahrain and Kuwait and we have focused on studying job opportunities, negotiating, legally providing employment, and protecting the rights and benefits of citizens.”
In terms of trade exchange, China and India are the major destinations for Ethiopia’s agricultural commodities, and Middle East countries are taking coffee, sesame, flowers, vegetables, fruits, and other products in bulk from Ethiopia. Also, consolidated efforts are underway to take Ethiopia’s trade and investment relationship with Asian and Middle East countries to a higher level.
Health, investment, and business forums that have been held with Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, and other countries in the region will continue to be strengthened, Ambassador Gebeyehu remarked.
BY BILAL DERSO
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 28 DECEMBER 2023
