Ethiopia keen on taking its bilateral collaboration with India to a strategic level

Addis Ababa, October 18, 2022 (FBC) –  A delegation led by the Minister of Defence of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr Abreham Belay, is participating in the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD), which is being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

At the event, Dr. Abreham spoke about Africa-India defense cooperation in general and Ethiopia-India cooperation in particular. 

In his speech, the Ethiopian Defense Minister thanked the Indian government for the invitation and the warm reception extended to him and his delegation.

Dr. Abreham expressed his belief that the dialogue will help to strengthen the existing partnership and enhance defense cooperation, as well as pave the way for Ethiopia and India to explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, such as defense industry, technology development, armed forces capacity building and joint training, cyber defense, maritime security, and counter-terrorism.

Dr. Abraham also elaborated on the efforts of the Government of Ethiopia to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in the northern part of the country.

Dr. Abreham stated that Ethiopia recognizes the trending global and regional developments that are adding to the world’s peace, security, and stability challenges, as well as the need for a collective and consultative mitigation approach by responsible and active regional and global actors.

Furthermore, Dr. Abreham expressed his government’s gratitude for the solidarity of the government and people of India in supporting Ethiopia through its difficult times.

The Minister mentioned the interest of his ministry in taking the initiative to bring such a high-level military technology dialogue and expo to the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, with the aim of taking the bilateral collaboration to a strategic level.

The Minister of Defence of India, the Honorable Mr. Rajnath Singh, thanked the participants for attending the dialogue and reaffirmed India’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with African countries.