Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed undertook a working visit to Kenya and Tanzania last week, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew. This visit underscores Ethiopia’s longstanding relations with these two brotherhood countries in East Africa.
On February 27, 2024, Abiy arrived at Jomo Kenyatta airport and received a warm welcome from President William Ruto. He embarked on a two-day state visit, which commenced with a gracious welcome and a tour of an ICT park in Nairobi. The tour, led by President Ruto, highlighted the involvement of youth in AI technology.
During his visit, Prime Minister Abiy was officially welcomed by President William Ruto at the State House of Kenya. This ceremony marked the beginning of a significant engagement, during which both leaders and their delegations engaged in extensive discussions on various subjects, including bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues. They acknowledged the deep historical relations and economic connections between their nations, committing to further strengthen cooperation. This meeting signifies a pivotal moment in enhancing diplomatic and economic ties, promising a future of increased collaboration between Ethiopia and Kenya.
According to the Prime Minister Office report, the leaders of the two countries also embarked on a tour of the KETRACO Converter Station in Suswa, Narok County. This station marks the end point of the export from Ethiopia’s Wolaita Sodo 500 KV HVDC Converter Station.
It is worth noting that in January 2023, Kenya began importing hydroelectric power from Ethiopia. This development came after the two countries, through their utilities, Ethiopia Electric Power (EEP) and Kenya Power, signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) in 2022. Ethiopia’s efforts to export electricity to East African countries and beyond are in line with regional integration and the country’s commitment to achieving Agenda 2063.
It is recalled that over the years, the two countries have developed cooperation mechanisms such as the Ethio-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) and the Joint Border Administrators’ and Commissioners’ meetings, which have held 36 and 32 meetings, respectively. These mechanisms have fostered regular high-level engagements, including visits between the heads of government and officials.
The two nations have long enjoyed a strong and enduring relationship, with historical ties that span centuries. These two East African nations have collaborated in various fields, including trade, security, and diplomacy.
During a recent interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Moi Lemoshira, the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Director General of Political and Diplomatic Affairs, announced that his country has extended the LAPSSET Corridor Project. Also, the two nations have agreed to extend the agreement that allows Ethiopia to utilize land at Lamu Port. The FM emphasized that several activities are underway to support each other and develop the infrastructure linking Lamu Port in Kenya to the Ethiopian border town of Moyale.
At the recently concluded 36th Ethio-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission Meeting in Addis Ababa, the two countries discussed the full implementation of previously signed agreements. Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to expedite infrastructure-driven interconnectedness with Ethiopia to ensure mutual growth and benefits. The meeting aimed to review bilateral relations, evaluate the implementation of memorandums of understanding, and chart the future path of the comprehensive Ethio-Kenya partnership. Given the significant benefits of infrastructural integration for both countries, it received prime attention.
In a similar vein, after concluding his two-day visit to Kenya, Prime Minister Abiy headed to Tanzania for a three-day state visit. He received a warm welcome from higher officials, the Ethiopian ambassador to Tanzania, and Tanzanians holding the flags of both countries, accompanied by traditional dances upon his arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Addis Ababa and Dar es Salaam have a longstanding historical and diplomatic relationship, bolstered by leaders such as the late Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and Julius Nyerere. These two leaders tirelessly worked towards the liberation of the African continent and the establishment of the African Union (AU).
Prime Minister Abiy’s recent visit to Tanzania further solidifies the longstanding relationship between the two countries. The premier was received by Tanzanian President Samia Suhulu for official talks at the State House in Dar es Salaam during his state visit to the East African nation. The discussions covered a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, with a commitment to multifaceted cooperation.
Ethiopia and Tanzania have long enjoyed a strong relationship, and recent developments have only served to strengthen the ties between the two East African nations. In a series of meetings and agreements signed between the two countries, leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation and collaboration in various areas.
According to Prime Minister Office report following the bilateral talks, three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed, covering culture and arts, agriculture, and electricity trade. According to Tanzanian media reports, Prime Minister Abiy’s visit to Tanzania is expected to deepen security and economic cooperation between the two countries. The state visit will also bolster joint efforts to combat human trafficking. Additionally, the visit will open up markets, investment, and trade in key sectors, particularly agricultural products such as coffee and tea. It will also serve as a platform for exchanging experiences in the livestock sector, given that Ethiopia is ranked first in terms of having a large number of cattle, while Tanzania holds the third position.
The bilateral talks between the two sides are anticipated to create new opportunities for trade, leading to an increase in trade volume between Ethiopia and Tanzania. Tanzania is also expecting to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) from Ethiopia, and vice versa.
The visit will further strengthen cooperation among security organs of the two countries in curbing illegal immigration, as they work collaboratively with other international immigration bodies to dismantle human trafficking networks, the Tanzania based Medias reported.
Moreover, Ethiopia’s position as the source of the Blue Nile and Tanzania’s connection to the White Nile creates opportunities for both nations to collaborate on hydro-political issues.
Finally, Prime Minister Abiy paid his respects at a memorial ceremony held for the late President Ali Hassan Mwinyi of Tanzania. With this, he concluded his visit to East Africa countries (Kenya and Tanzania) official state visit and returned to Ethiopia. The visit has deepened diplomatic relations, fostered economic cooperation, and laid the groundwork for Ethiopia future collaboration with Kenya, and Tanzania.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2024
