India and Ethiopia sign three MoUs

Ethiopia and India have signed three memoranda of understanding. Both countries have decided to enhance cooperation in administrative assistance in customs matters, data centre establishment at the embassy of Ethiopia and cooperation in UN peacekeeping. These MoUs were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali on Tuesday in Adis Ababa.

Earlier, at the delegation-level talks with Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed Ali held at the Ethiopian National Palace, PM Modi said that visiting Ethiopia for the first time has truly filled his heart with immense joy.Highlighting that India and Ethiopia have had contact, communication and exchange for thousands of years, Modi said that both nations which are rich in languages and traditions, are co-passengers and partners of the Global South. Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.

In his comments, the Ethiopian PM appreciated PM Modi’s “consistent message” that Africa’s priorities must lead the partnership. “Today, we need a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and in South-South solidarity. We see strong alignment between our home-grown philosophy,” said Abiy Ahmed Ali. “We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa’s priorities must lead the partnership. This kind of dignified, respectful message for Africa is very important, Mr Prime Minister. Please keep pushing this type of message which we are expecting from all our trusted friends,” he added.