Addis Ababa – The Ambassador of India to Ethiopia reported that the strategic partnership agreements between Ethiopia and India are progressing steadily, following the historic visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ethiopia.

It is noted that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, focusing on deepening cooperation in various fields.

The Ambassador pointed out that the two leaders decided to elevate relations from a level of friendship to a strategic partnership, which requires high-level engagement at the political leadership level.

The agreement gained greater significance after the two leaders decided in mid-December to elevate relations from a bilateral level to a strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ethiopia.

The Ambassador explained that a strategic partnership requires continuous and effective engagement at the political leadership level, adding that the implementation of the visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders will facilitate strategic consultations.

The Ambassador confirmed that an agreement for visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders has been concluded, reflecting the mutual trust between the two countries.

He added, “We signed a bilateral agreement for visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders, meaning holders of these passports can travel to each other’s countries without needing a visa.”

He emphasized that this is an extremely important step, as it embodies the mutual trust between the two countries.

According to the Ambassador, this agreement is expected to facilitate diplomatic travel, enhance effective interaction, and strengthen cooperation between Ethiopia and India, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.

The two sides also signed other agreements focusing on areas of technology, trade, health, establishing a data center for the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, artificial intelligence training, customs cooperation, G20 debt restructuring, and others.

The Ambassador clarified that India, among other outcomes agreed upon during the Prime Minister’s visit, has already supported Ethiopia in the G20 debt restructuring process.

Another aspect is the establishment of a data center for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and he added that work on establishing this center will begin soon.

He continued, “We are working on all action items that emerged from the meeting and striving to ensure the decisions made by the leadership are implemented within a defined timeframe.”

The Ambassador views Ethiopia as an important partner from the Global South and believes there are numerous areas where the two countries can cooperate.

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia, founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II. It serves as the political and diplomatic heart of Africa, hosting the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The city’s history is reflected in sites like the National Museum, home to the fossil “Lucy,” and the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a historically rich nation in the Horn of Africa, widely recognized as one of the world’s oldest countries and the only African nation to never be permanently colonized. It is home to ancient sites like the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the ruins of Aksum, which was a major empire from the 1st to the 8th centuries. The country also has deep cultural traditions, including its unique Orthodox Christian heritage and being the legendary home of the biblical Ark of the Covenant.

India

India is a vast South Asian nation with one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, dating back over 5,000 years to the Indus Valley. Its rich history is marked by the rise of major religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, successive empires, and British colonial rule before gaining independence in 1947. Today, it is a vibrant, diverse republic renowned for its profound cultural heritage, myriad languages, and iconic sites like the Taj Mahal.

Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the government body responsible for managing Ethiopia’s international relations and diplomatic missions. It was formally established in the early 20th century under Emperor Menelik II, though its modern structure was significantly developed during Emperor Haile Selassie’s reign to engage with global institutions like the League of Nations and later the United Nations. Today, it operates from Addis Ababa, a major diplomatic hub hosting the African Union headquarters.

G20

The G20 is not a physical place or cultural site, but a major international forum for governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union. It was founded in 1999 in response to financial crises to promote global economic stability and cooperation. Its annual summits, hosted by a rotating member nation, bring together world leaders to discuss key economic and political issues.