External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has arrived in Ethiopia as India seeks to strengthen its strategic partnership with the African nation through discussions on bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues…reports Asian Lite Daily News Desk
Jaishankar announced his arrival in Addis Ababa in a post on X, thanking Ethiopian State Minister Berhanu Tsegaye for the warm reception.
“Hello Addis Ababa! Delighted to arrive in Ethiopia. Thank State Minister @BerhanuTsegaye for the warm reception. Look forward to productive engagements to advance our Strategic Partnership,” he wrote.
During his visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to meet Ethiopia’s leadership to review the full range of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international matters of mutual interest.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), he will also chair the Regional Heads of Mission Conference in Addis Ababa.
The ministry had earlier said Jaishankar would hold bilateral talks with his Ethiopian counterpart to review the longstanding relations between the two countries and discuss areas of cooperation.
“The visit of EAM is reflective of India’s commitment to deepen its partnership with Africa, and will further India’s solidarity with Global South,” the MEA said.
The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to assess existing cooperation across key sectors and identify further opportunities to strengthen India’s engagement with Ethiopia and the wider African region.
Jaishankar travelled to Ethiopia after concluding his visit to Côte d’Ivoire.
Before arriving in Addis Ababa, the external affairs minister congratulated Gedion Timothewos Hessebon on his reappointment as Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In a separate post on X on Thursday, Jaishankar expressed his interest in meeting Hessebon to discuss ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
“Congratulate Gedion Timothewos Hessebon on your re-appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. Look forward to meeting you soon to further strengthen our Strategic Partnership,” he wrote.
Hessebon was reappointed after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali formed a new Cabinet.
The Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives established the new federal government on Monday, with the ruling Prosperity Party appointing Abiy Ahmed Ali as Prime Minister for a second five-year term.
Jaishankar’s visit comes as India continues its diplomatic engagement with African countries, with the government seeking to expand cooperation and strengthen ties with partners across the continent.
The meetings in Ethiopia are expected to focus on advancing bilateral relations and reinforcing cooperation on issues of shared interest.
