Category: Government Policy

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given briefings to heads of diplomatic missions based in Addis Ababa on Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Partnership and Cooperation between Ethiopia and Somaliland today.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Partnership and Cooperation has been signed on Monday between Ethiopia and Somaliland that would allow cooperation in social, economic, political and military fields.

In his briefing, the National Security Advisor of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Redwan Hussein stated that the MoU will allow Ethiopia to diversify its options regarding access to the sea and ports, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Furthermore, Ethiopia will have an important role in peace and security of the region in tandem with ensuring its survival, he noted.

Minister of Justice, Gedion Temothewos stated on his part that the MoU is not only about access to the sea or port but it also includes the vast areas of cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, technology, agricultur
e, and tourism.

Advisor of the Prime Minister on Foreign Policy, Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie on his part stated that Ethiopia advocates peaceful means in accessing the sea and gain ports.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Russia takes over the BRICS presidency on Monday, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia beginning to participate fully.

Sputnik Africa discussed with experts the direction the expanded bloc will take under the Russian presidency in 2024.

The 16th BRICS summit in 2024, chaired by Russia, which aims to lead the bloc toward a new model of world order, is poised for prosperity, political scientist Ruhollah Modabber, told Sputnik.

“Russia’s intention to implement its program in 2024 will bring BRICS closer to a new model of world order. Initiatives in the field of science, food security, infrastructure and medicine are being discussed within the BRICS framework, and prosperity awaits BRICS in 2024,” the expert noted.

He added that Russia adheres to the principle in its foreign policy, and therefore, today many countries want to join BRICS.

Moreover, the bloc provides a platform within which countries in the Global South can interact, Modabber opined.

The expert explained that
BRICS today is not only focused on economic cooperation, but is also “changing the world order.”

This year’s BRICS summit in Russia could spark discussions about increasing the group’s influence through greater cohesion among the new BRICS members, Prof. Patrick Bond, Distinguished Professor and Director of the Centre for Social Change, University of Johannesburg, said.

In addition, the expert, commenting on the bloc’s prospects for this year, expressed hope that BRICS expansion will continue, including through the incorporation of African countries.

He pointed out that African countries need to move more coherently to have a free trade bloc and to have more economies of scale as a trade bloc.

The government of Ethiopia has expressed readiness to play a constructive role in promoting peace and prosperity as a new member of the BRICS family in collaboration with all its members.

Guided by its long-held principles and rich history of multilateralism, the statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs reit
erated that ‘Ethiopia remains committed and ready to play a constructive role in promoting peace and prosperity as a new member of the BRICS family in collaboration with all its members.’

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the President of Somaliland Muse Bihe Abdi have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding in Addis Ababa today.

Office of the Prime Minister said the Memorandum of Understanding for Partnership and Cooperation, between the Ethiopia and Somaliland, is intended to serve as a framework for the multisectoral partnership between the two sides.

“The MoU shall pave the way to realize the aspiration of Ethiopia to secure access to the sea and diversify its access to seaports. It also strengthens their security, economic and political partnership,” according to Office of the Prime Minister.

Furthermore, the Memorandum of Understanding also indicates the pathway to bolster their political and diplomatic relations.

The MoU reaffirms the principled position of the Ethiopian government to advance mutual interests through cooperation on the basis of reciprocity, it pointed out.

It ushers in a new chapter of cooperation and has a huge significance for regional integration in the horn.
It also enables Ethiopia to enhance its role in maintaining regional peace and security.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended a message to international friends and partners on the occasion of the New Year celebration.

‘Wishing all our international friends and partners a happy new year as the global community rings in 2024!’ Abiy said on X, former twitter.

Most of the global community has today received its New Year, 1 January, 2024.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Today, Ethiopia along with the other four new member countries, officially joined the BRICS, the emerging-markets bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

According to a statement issued by the BRICS today that Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially joined the bloc.

Ethiopia’s bid to join the BRICS was endorsed last August 2023 during the 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In his statement following the decision, Prime Minister Abiy said Ethiopia’s endorsement to join the BRICS bloc will contribute a lot in realizing the South-South cooperation.

BRICS controls about 40 percent of the world population and an equivalent amount of the economy as the countries now have higher economic values than G-7.

Ethiopia’s membership in the BRICS group is expected to bring significant benefits for its economic development, regional integration, and international cooperation.

The membership will have a lot of impact in terms of international
trade and the main agenda is to transform the multi-lateral system into some kind of an equitable system where countries will deal with each other on a sovereign basis.

The BRICS countries would like to see multi-literalism developed to a greater degree as they represent a significant part of the world economy now. The BRICS countries are high producing countries and emerging economies.

BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It was formed in 2010 by the addition of South Africa to its predecessor called BRIC.

Now, its members have increased to 10 following the accession of Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: President of the Republic of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi, has arrived in Addis Ababa today.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen and high ranking government officials received President Muse Bihi Abdi upon his arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

During his stay in Addis Ababa, President Muse Bihi Abdi is expected to meet and discuss with senior government of officials.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency