Ethiopia, Mozambique to Step Up Cooperation

By Zelalem Girma

HornDiplomat-The two nations discussed ten themes to expand the bilateral cooperation in diverse frontiers.

Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn was on an official visit to Mozambique to discuss with Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi on deepening bilateral relations between the two nations.

The two nations discussed ten themes to expand the bilateral cooperation in diverse frontiers including political and diplomatic issues, agriculture, justice, science and technology, tourism, transport and communications, defence, industry and trade, economics and finance.

They agreed that a ministerial joint commission would be set up as soon as possible to consider matters of joint interest, according to Club of Mozambique.

Prime Minister Hailemariam lauded Mozambique hospitality and the African Union for supporting Ethiopia at the UNSC elections, adding that the opportunity accorded further responsibility for Ethiopia to reinvigorate its commitment on African agendas, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister Hailemariam highlighted Ethiopia’s firm stance in safeguarding the interests of Africa.

As to the Ethiopian News Agency report from Maputo, Hailemariam and Nyusi discussed ways of fostering bilateral ties during which the Ethiopian Premier expressed his country’s commitment to strengthen Ethio-Mozambique relations.

Hailemariam noted that climate change, poverty, unemployment, peace and stability, terrorism and illegal migration are among Africa’s critical challenges which need serious attention and commitment.

The Prime Minister visited Maputo Port and Mozal Aluminum Smelter Plant, which was established in 1998. The factory generates one billion USD per year on average and currently employed over 1,500 workers.

The Premier also laid a wreath at the Mozambique Hero Memorial in Maputo, according to Club of Mozambique.

Ambassador Berhane Gebrekirstos, Special Envoy to the Prime Minister told Fana Broadcasting Corporate that the two leaders have agreed to work together so as to defeat poverty and improve the lives of their people.

Foreign Affairs State Minister Ambassador Taye Atskeselassie said that the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhance trade and investment ties and expand their cooperation at a continental level. The two countries are looking to strengthen relations as the current situation offers many opportunities, he added.

The State Minister said : ” There are many essential issues that we are going to address on behalf of the continent”. He noted that Ethiopia is going to be an advocate for Africa and highlight the suffering that the continent faces.

Congratulating Ethiopia for having been elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, President Nyusi emphasized that this rendered ripe opportunities for Africans and also lauded Ethiopia’s active role in the maintenance of peace both at continental and international levels, Club of Mozambique reported.

President Nyusi also said Mozambique has a lot to learn from Ethiopia’s tourism, aviation, energy, peacekeeping operation, counter-terrorism, industrial and agricultural development practices.

SOURCE:ALLAFRICA