The relationship between Ethiopia and Djibouti is unique and exemplary for the entire region, according to Foreign Affairs State Minister Birtukan Ayana.
In her keynote address to the Ethio-Djibouti Public Diplomacy Consultation Forum held today, the state minster said the people of Ethiopia and Djibouti share common culture, history, language, and social values that make them interdependent with each other.
She added that the two countries also enjoy strong political, economic, and social relations based on solid foundation, mutual benefit, and respect.
“Ethiopia attaches particular importance to the longstanding ties between the people of the two countries. Our relationship is unique and exemplary to the entire region. It is cemented by the strongest people-to-people relations that exist from time immemorial.”
According to her, Ethiopia and Djibouti have also common destiny. To this end, the two countries are marching towards a more robust economic integration and solid political interconnectedness.
“Our homes are using electricity from the same grid. We are drinking the same water, our cities, towns and villages are connected by railway, road, network and aviation.”
Birtukan further noted that the countries have been reinforcing various mechanisms in order to strengthen the strategic partnership and expedite the economic integration process and people-to-people relations.
In this regard, she revealed significant achievements have been made as evidenced by the signing of over 120 agreements in various spheres.
Djibouti Interior Ministry Secretary General and leader of the delegation, Siraj Omer said on his part that the comprehensive bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and Djibouti has been bearing fruits in various areas.
Despite some setbacks in the areas of customs duty to further expedite the steadily growing trade activities and migration challenges, the two nations have been working hard to elevate the relationship to a higher level, he added.
Speaking on the behalf of IGAD Secretary-General, IGAD, Coordinator of Strengthening Migration Policy Implementation, Yemisrach Benalfew said that the relationship between Ethiopian and Djibouti is a real demonstration of regional integration, which is the core objective of IGAD.
The countries have been connected through key infrastructures networks such as transport, telecommunications, trade and investment, security issues, electric power and potable water, she added.
Noting that IGAD advocates for strong linkage between regional integration and human mobility, Yemisrach urged countries, including Ethiopia and Djibouti, to work hard on these areas that would realize developmental benefits.
The Djibouti public diplomacy delegation comprises of 112 members.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency