News in Brief
Austrian Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz makes an official visit to Ethiopia
US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs in Djibouti and Eritrea
The 2nd IGAD-UN High Level Dialogue held in Kampala, Uganda
The G20 Summit in Buenos Aires
South Sudan’s Monitoring and Verification Mechanism meets in Khartoum
“Ethiopian Day” celebrated at Djibouti’s International Trade Fair
News in Brief
Africa and the African Union
The 24th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP24) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is being held December 3-14 in Katowice, Poland. It aims to complete the “Paris Agreement Work Program”, the procedures and rule book needed to turn the Paris Agreement of 2015 into a working regime, and start a series of actions leading to major increases in climate commitments on 2020.
Africa Day was celebrated at COP24 on Monday (December 3) under the theme: “The Africa Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Hub: Going further and faster with NDC implementation in support of Agenda 2063”. It focused ways to ensure development partners deliver concrete actions and resources to provide adequate means of implementation for African countries to deliver their NDC and implement the Paris Agreement.
The World Bank Group announced on Monday (December 3) that it would invest 200 billion US dollars to support countries taking action against climate change from 2021-25.President Jim Yong Kim said, “We are pushing ourselves to do more and to go faster on climate change and we call on the global community to do the same. This is about putting countries and communities in charge of building a safer, more climate-resilient future.”
UN Secretary-General Guterres said in a message for International Anti-Corruption Day, observed on 9 December, that, “Corruption is present in all countries, rich and poor, North and South. It is an assault on the values of the United Nations. It undermines the rule of law and abets crimes such as the illicit trafficking of people, drugs and arms. The World Economic Forum estimates that the cost of corruption is at least $2.6 trillion. On International Anti-Corruption Day, let us take a stand for integrity.
The African Union Commission and the US held their 6th annual High-level Dialogue at the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa on Thursday last week (November 29). Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen African regional integration and enhance cooperation and synergy in advancing efforts towards stability and sustainable economic development in Africa, centered on mutual interest and shared values, on the basis of the four pillars of the AUC-U.S. Partnership in peace and security; economic growth, trade and investment; democracy and governance; and promoting investment opportunities and development.
The second IGAD-UN High-Level Dialogue was held in Kampala, Uganda at the end of last week (November 29-30), under the theme of “Deepening Partnership in a Changing Horn of Africa”.(See article)
Ethiopia
President Sahle-Work Zewde met with Letty Chiwara, UN Women Representative to Ethiopia, AU and UNECA, on Wednesday (December 5) to discuss the organization’s activities. President Sahle-Work praised the efforts to empower women and called for more women-focused programs.
Austrian Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz arrived in Addis Ababa on Thursday (December 6) for an official visit. Chancellor Kurz held discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed on bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Dr. Abiy met Chancellor Kurz at the end of October, on the margins of the G20 Investment Summit in Berlin, when they agreed to strengthen the ties between Ethiopia and Austria.(See article)
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed reiterated Africa’s common position in support of the major agendas of last week’s G20 summit, noting the G20 would play a significant role in accelerating continental development objectives.(See article)
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Workneh Gebeyhu received Emanuela Del Re, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and international cooperation of Italy on Thursday (December 06) and underlined that Italy is a key development partner of Ethiopia. Dr. Workneh stressed on the importance of strengthening the economic cooperation between the two countries. The Minister urged Italian companies to invest in Ethiopia and called on the Government of Italy to support Ethiopia’s infrastructural development. Dr. Workneh also expressed his country’s commitment to work more closely with Italy in areas of promoting peace and stability in the Horn.
Dr. Workneh met Mr. Borge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum on Friday (December 07), in which the latter expressed that the World Economic Forum supports the ongoing political and economic reforms in Ethiopia. “Ethiopia managed to achieve tremendous reforms within a short period of time,” he added. Dr.Workneh, briefed Brende on the sweeping reforms happening in the country as well as the recent developments in the Horn, adding “now Horn is the hope of the entire Africa”. On aspects of regional issues, the Minister noted the current stability in South Sudan. He also called on the international community to support the institutionalization process in Somalia.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mrs. Hirut Zemene held talks with Mahmoud Ali Yousouf, Foreign Minister of Djibouti on Thursday (December 06) in Djibouti. Commending the leadership of Djibouti for its unwavering commitment to heighten the symbolic ties with its sisterly country- Ethiopia , State Minister Hirut expressed her Government’s keenness to further map out arrays of cooperation between the two countries. Mrs. Hirut also underscored the need to further cement the ongoing remarkable economic integration by properly exploiting the unique people to people ties.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Markos Tekle met with the visiting Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and international cooperation of Italy, Emanuela Del Re, on Thursday (December 06). The two sides noted the longstanding and strong bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Italy and agreed to strengthen the cooperation further ahead. They particularly noted the importance of further deepening the bilateral cooperation on areas of trade and investment.
Opening the 2nd Ethio-South Korean Textile and Apparel Investment Forum on Thursday (December 06), State Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Aklilu Hailemichael noted the all rounded bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and South Korea, adding that the two countries have embraced a constantly growing bilateral trade and investment ties. Dr. Aklilu pointed out the huge investment potentials in Ethiopia and urged South Korean companies to seize these opportunities.
Djibouti
Djibouti’s Second International Trade Fair, taking place December 3-10, celebrated “Ethiopia Day” on Wednesday (December 5). State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Mrs. Hirut Zemene attended the occasion. (See article)
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Tibor Nagy visited Djibouti on Saturday (December 1), holding talks with President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. (See article)
Eritrea
President Isaias Afeworki held talks with US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Ambassador Tibor Nagy on Tuesday (December 4) to discuss bilateral as well as regional and global issues. President Isaias expressed Eritrea’s readiness for constructive engagement to strengthen relations and cooperation with the US. (See article)
Italy’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs with responsibility for International Cooperation, Ms. Emanuela Del Re,visited Eritrea this week (December 3-5) and met with government officials and Italian entrepreneurs active in the tourism, agribusiness and textile sectors.
Somalia
Foreign Minister Ahmed Isse Awad welcomed the newly appointed Turkish Ambassador to Mogadishu. Ambassador Mehmet Yilmaz on Wednesday (December 5) said Somalia was looking to strengthen the diplomatic ties between the nations.
AMISOM’s Military Operations Coordination Committee meeting in Addis Ababa on Friday (November 30) endorsed the Concept of Operations developed in Nairobi last month and agreed the Operational Readiness Assessment Report, which included AMISOM’s requirements, should be transmitted to the UN Security Council.
The United States government reopened its embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia after twenty eight years. In a statement issued on Wednesday (December 5), the State Department said, “The historic event reflects Somalia’s progress in recent years and is another step forward in formalizing U.S. diplomatic engagement in Mogadishu.”
The East Africa Development Forum held in Istanbul last weekend (December 1-2) under the theme “Stepping Forward”, explored ways to exploit the immense natural resources of the region as part of the Future Outlook in Turkish Somali Relations and the East African region in general.
South Sudan
The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) for South Sudan held its 2nd Board meeting on Thursday (November 29) in Khartoum. (See article)
Sudan
Foreign Minister El-Dirdeiry Ahmed met the UK’s Permanent Secretary at the Department for International Development (DFID) to discuss the Darfur development strategy being prepared by Sudan, UK and UNDP on Monday (December 3).
294 Sudanese MPs representing 33 political parties introduced a bill on Tuesday (December 4) to amend the constitution to allow President Omer al-Bashir to run for a third term in 2020 elections.
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Austrian Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz makes an official visit to Ethiopia
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz arrived in Addis Ababa on Thursday (December 6) for an official visit. Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, Chancellor Kurz was welcomed by Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu and other senior government officials. Chancellor Kurz’s visit to Ethiopia followed an invitation from Prime Minister Dr. Abiy when the two leaders met earlier in the year on the side-lines of the G20 Investment Summit held in Berlin, Germany. On that occasion, the two leaders agreed to expand the relations between Ethiopia and Austria.
Following his arrival, Chancellor Kurz held discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy on
bilateral and multi-lateral issues of interest to both countries at the Prime Minister’s Office.
In his talks with the Austrian delegation, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy highlighted the strong historical relationship Ethiopia enjoyed with Austria and noted its importance for the current reforms that Ethiopia was undergoing. The Prime Minister acknowledged Chancellor Kurz’s visit as an opportunity to focus on investments, trade and technology exchange. The Prime Minister shared with Chancellor Kurz and his delegation that one of the key elements of the reforms to bring democracy in Ethiopia is changing the narrative and dynamics with competitive political parties, which for the longest time have been referred to as “opposition parties”.
Noting that at this moment all the political parties that have been in exile have returned to Ethiopia, the Prime Minister emphasized that part of the reforms the Government is spearheading, will guarantee democratic elections, bring stability to the country and make Ethiopia a role model in Africa. Prime Minister Dr. Abiy also shared that strengthening the bilateral relations with Austria was critical and this would be facilitated through the potential opening of an Ethiopian Embassy in Vienna.
Chancellor Kurz commended the changes taking place in Ethiopia and expressed his admiration for the processes of democratization as well as economic development that are unfolding through the reforms. Highlighting that Ethiopia would be a role model for other African countries, he also expressed his interest to strengthen the cooperation with Ethiopia and to also augment European Union -Africa relations from development cooperation to economic cooperation rooted in innovation.
Chancellor Kurz also met and held talks with President Sahle-Work Zewde on Thursday. They reviewed the status of the longstanding and historic relationship of Ethiopia and Austria. Chancellor Kurz said, “We have sound development cooperation. Besides this we want to further strengthen the economic partnership as the latter is the most sustainable form of cooperation”. President Sahle-Work also underlined the vital role of the economic cooperation between the two countries. She said, “Ethiopia has a lot to offer. And this is the right time to enhance the relationship in different ways. We are very delighted to receive the Chancellor. The visit shows the excellent relations we have with Austria.”
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US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Ambassador Nagy in Djibouti and Eritrea
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Tibor Nagy after his visit to Ethiopia last week continued his regional tour, arriving in Djibouti on Saturday (December 1). He held talks with President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf during a visit aimed to further promote the longstanding U.S. and Djibouti relationship which is guided by mutual strategic interests and commitment to address shared challenges. Ambassador Nagy also met young Djiboutians who have attended the US Young African Leadership Initiative and alumni of the US International Visitor Leadership Program.
The Assistant Secretary of State met and held talks with President Isaias Afwerki, discussing bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. According to Yemane Gebremeskel, Minister of Information of Eritrea, President Isaias underlined Eritrea’s readiness for constructive engagement to foster warm ties of cooperation with the US in various sectors. Ambassador Nagy also met with Eritrean youths who had participated inYoung African Leadership Initiative.
The visit of Assistant Secretary Ambassador Nagy to the region created the right platform for him to discuss regional issues with countries of the Horn of Africa. It was all the more important as the visit followed the lifting of UN sanctions on Eritrea. It is hoped that continued US engagement and closer cooperation with the countries of the region will be an additional encouragement to the already improving peace and security situation in the region. The dawn of peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea has catalyzed the process of resolving longstanding conflicts in the region and has become instrumental in helping to improve long existing diplomatic stalemates.
In September when Ambassador Nagy addressed the Sub Committee on Foreign Affairs of the US Congress in a discussion “Reviewing Current Developments in Ethiopia”, he said that, “Looking more broadly at regional issues, we enthusiastically welcomed Dr. Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki working together to end 20 years of conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. There is still much work to do to repair the consequences of the conflict for the peoples of both Eritrea and Ethiopia, especially in border regions. But we have already seen a tremendous outpouring of emotion on both sides supporting peace, and both governments have highlighted the positive consequences this will bring for the entire Horn of Africa.”
Indeed, as he predicted, the Ethio-Eritrea peace rapprochement has unleashed a renewed interest among countries of the region to work effectively to resolve long-standing issues of conflict in the region. In October, Ambassador Nagy wrote an article entitled, “The Future Belongs to Africa”, discussing his vision for US/Africa engagement. He articulated four themes of engagement for his regional tour: the promotion of stronger trade and commercial ties between the United States and Africa; harnessing the potential of Africa’s youth; advancing peace and security through partnerships; and underlining the US’ enduring commitment to the people and nations of Africa. These themes resonate well with the aspirations and wishes of the people to see a stable, prosperous and peaceful region. Creation of jobs is a challenge that needs the efforts of the countries of the region and also the concerted efforts of partners such as the United States to assist in the in the creation of sustainable job opportunities. In April this year, the then Acting Assistant Secretary, Donald Yamamoto, made a similar visit to the region, visiting Eritrea, Djibouti and Ethiopia.
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The 2nd IGAD-UN High Level Dialogue held in Kampala, Uganda
The second IGAD-UN High-Level Dialogue was held in Kampala, Uganda at the end of last week (November 29-30), under the theme of “Deepening Partnership in a Changing Horn of Africa”. The main objective of the dialogue was to review the dynamic political changes in the Horn of Africa, and the growing involvement of the Gulf states in the region. Those attending included Uganda’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oryem Okello; Ambassador Mahboub Maalim, Executive Secretary of IGAD; UN Assistant Secretary General for Department of Political Affairs Taye-Brook Zerihun; Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Djibouti, Chair of the IGAD Committee of Ambassadors, Ambassador Shamebo Fitamo;’ and Yibeltal Amero, Director General for Neighbouring countries and IGAD Affairs in Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry as well as representatives from IGAD member countries and different UN levels.
Mr. Okello praised the on-going reform in Ethiopia that had encouraged positive changes in the region and welcomed the tripartite dialogue initiated by Prime Minister Abiy between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia and the rapprochement between Eritrea and Djibouti. He also noted the positive contribution of the Prime Minister to the South Sudan peace process. He recommended close cooperation among member countries. Mr Taye-Brook Zerihun, strongly encouraged the on-going and positive political changes and normalization of relations among IGAD member countries. He stressed that this could help to create suitable platforms to enhance partnership between IGAD and the UN. He underlined that the UN was now discussing with IGAD to open an office in the region.
Ambassador Mahboub Maalim pointed out the recent positive developments in the region: the new chapter of Ethio-Eritrea relations, the rapprochement of Eritrea and Djibouti, the tripartite dialogue between Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea, the recent lifting of the sanctions on Eritrea and the situation in South Sudan following the recent peace agreement. He pointed out that the challenges currently facing the region were conflict, poverty, displacement, migration, human trafficking, terrorism and extremism, lack of good governance, climate change, the crisis in Yemen and growing involvement of international actors in the Red Sea area. He emphasized the need to strengthening multilateral space, increasing UN support in resolving outstanding issues, strengthening the IGAD-UN partnership, enhancing capacity of member states and the importance of dialogue between IGAD and the Gulf states.
Ambassador Shamebo Fitamo underlined the need for real empowerment of women and noted Ethiopia’s recent developments in this respect. He added that Ethiopia had also widened the political space, and was opening up the economy to ensure inclusive and participatory economic growth, increased employment opportunities and development. He underlined Ethiopia’s commitment to forge closer political, economic, social and security cooperation within the IGAD member states, pointing out that a new chapter of harmonization had started and called on all IGAD member countries to collaborate in this.
Concern was expressed over the possibilities of the conflict in the Gulf moving to the Horn of Africa, and it was suggested the UN could serve as a gateway for the region to deal with the Gulf problems. The meeting reached a consensus to support the positive changes in the Horn of Africa and further deepen cooperation of IGAD with the UN and other multilateral partners. In his closing remarks Ambassador Shamebo called for a predictable system of support for IGAD in terms of sustainable finance and capacity building to better address the challenges of the region. He said UN-IGAD cooperation was needed more than ever before to contribute for the betterment of the region and enhance close cooperation among IGAD member states.
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The G20 Summit in Buenos Aires
The G20 is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 19 countries of the world’s largest economies and the European Union Commission. The only African member is South Africa but among those attending the Summit in Argentina were President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in his capacity as Chair of the African Union Assembly as well as President Macky Sall of Senegal, Chair of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee, and Dr. Tedros Adhanom, the Director-General of the World Health Organization.This year’s summit was held under the theme ‘Building Consensus for Fair and Sustainable Development, and Africa featured in terms of increasing its levels of engagement with the G20, strengthening G20’s commitments to Africa’s Agenda 2063, and stronger integration of African economies in the global economy. Investment in Africa has been at the forefront of the development dialogue since the Third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa in 2015, but African economies need the firm and explicit support of the G20. Last year’s German Presidency laid a solid foundation with its ‘Compact with Africa’ but it is important that commitment remains strong and momentum is maintained.
President Kagame, who called for the inclusion of the African Union Commission as a permanent member of the G20, and for increased participation by Africa in the global development sector in order to harness the full potential of the continent’s opportunities, told the Summit: “Africa is the reservoir of global economic opportunity in the coming decades. We have the fastest-growing cities, the most youthful population, and many of the highest-growth economies”. “To take full advantage,” President Kagame said, “Africa needs to increase its participation in global value chains, ensuring of course that our people receive their rightful share of the benefits. Africa therefore looks forward to working more closely with partners in the G20 to reinforce the pillars of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, alongside the Sustainable Development Goals. In that context, I would like to put forward the idea that a standing role for the African Union Commission in the G20 configuration would strengthen coordination in important ways, including on international financial governance”.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed in a statement last week also reiterated Africa’s common position in support of the major agendas of the G20 summit. In a statement issued on Wednesday, he noted Africa’s bright future extended beyond the continent, stressing: “Africa needs to take the extent and quality of its cooperation to deepen global partnerships.” Reiterating Africa’s readiness to work with G20 member countries, the Prime Minister referred to the Compact with Africa and said the G20 “will play a significant role in accelerating our continental development objectives and move us beyond the focus on unemployment and migration towards a New Horizon of Hope.” The aims of the Compact include working to increase attractiveness of private investment through substantial improvements in the macro, business and financing frameworks. The Compact, issued under the German presidency of the G20 last year, is a demand-driven initiative open to all African countries and has so far been joined by 11 African countries, including Ethiopia. Dr. Abiy said “We see the Compact with Africa as a unique opportunity for supporting targeted FDI from G20 countries and beyond. We are looking forward to attracting more investment through this platform and our commitment to collaborate with G20 remains very strong.”
The Summit agendas focused on the future of work, infrastructure, gender, and a sustainable food future, and the G20 leaders, with the exception of the US, reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders from the BRICS group, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, called for open international trade and a strengthening of the World Trade Organization.
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South Sudan’s Monitoring and Verification Mechanism meets in Khartoum
The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) held its 2nd Board meeting on Thursday (November 29) in Khartoum; in attendance were the signatories to the peace agreement, South Sudan Government, the SPLM/IO, South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), Other Political Parties (OPP), Former Detainees (FDs), Women, Academia, Youth, and Civil Society representatives as well as IGAD, represented by Ethiopia, Kenya, UNMISS, and the Troika, China and Japan.
CTSAMVM’s incoming chairman, Major General Desta Abichu, chairing the meeting of the board for the first time, noted that CTSAMVM ‘s Technical Committee had now met four times to deal with violations of the Cessation of Hostilities signed in February in Addis Ababa. He praised the armed signatories to the agreement for a significant reduction of violence except in Yei River state in Equatoria, Western Bahr Al Ghazal in Wau and around Upper Nile, but even there the conflicts were subsiding as the parties observed significant restraint and positive interaction. General Desta said CTSAMVM was now ready to deploy more observers provided that donors could come up with requisite financial support. He praised the donor community for helping CTSAMVM but hoped more support would now be available as South Sudanese parties demonstrated their commitment to the ceasefire.
All South Sudanese members of the Board emphasized the non-signatory parties, and in particular the National Salvation Alliance of General Cirilo should observe the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and immediately stop fighting both with Government forces and with the SPLM-IO forces in Equatoria. The SPLM-IO representatives also insisted on the need to release all political and military prisoners. The SSOA, an alliance of eight parties, expressed cautious optimism on implementation of the Agreement and on the ceasefire. The Former Detainees also expressed concern over the delays in the separation and cantonment of the various armed forces.
The Board, at the suggestion of the regional and international partners, agreed in the future to hold monthly meetings in Juba. The CTSAMVM secretariat announced it was calling donors for a meeting this week in Juba to seek financial support to deploy national members in all the ‘hot spot’ areas. UNMISS representative promised UNMISS would continue cooperation with CTSAMVM to provide cover and logistics. The Board also agreed on revised Terms of Reference to be ready for adoption at their next meeting on January 10, 2019, in Juba.
A parallel meeting, chaired by the AU Special Envoy Ambassador Ismail Wais, was also held in Khartoum at the end of last week to establish other important security sector bodies for the South Sudan peace process – the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC), the Joint Defense Board (JDB), and the Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) as well as the Strategic Defense and Security Review (SDSR) board. They all agreed that their next and subsequent meetings would take place in Juba. This means the security mechanisms and institutions of the agreement are all now up and running. The only institutions that have now to come into existence are the Independent Boundary Commission and the Technical Boundary Committee. Their establishment is linked to contributions of the African Union C-5 countries in the IGAD Plus mechanism, – South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Rwanda and Chad.
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“Ethiopian Day” celebrated at Djibouti’s International Trade Fair
Djibouti’s Second International Trade Fair, taking place December 3-10, offered a warm and vibrant celebration of “Ethiopia Day”on Wednesday (December 5). Foreign Minister of Djibouti, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Mrs. Hirut Zemene, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Djibouti, Ambassador Shamebo Fitamo, and the Chairs of the Chambers of Commerce of Ethiopia and Djibouti as well as ambassadors of various embassies in Djibouti were in attendance.
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali praised the leaders of both Djibouti and Ethiopia for their unremitting efforts to expand relations to new heights. He described the ties between Ethiopia and Djibouti as emblematic and said the relationship was so close that it was hard to express with mere phraseology. State Minister Hirut noted that trade fairs such as this one would create a further positive environment for regional as well as global cooperation. Mrs. Hirut praised Djibouti’s major recent achievements including the introduction of an International Free Trade Zone, to create a strategic base for global businesses to access African markets. The Zone is focusing on development of logistics, marine, construction, automotive and home electrical industries. Mrs. Hirut emphasized that this meant a lot for the development of Ethiopia as well as for Djibouti. As she underlined, the development of Djibouti was the development of Ethiopia and vice versa. The State Minister commended the efforts of both countries in preparing for such an event as “Ethiopian Day”, providing another jumping off point to further deepen and broaden people-to-people ties.
Ambassador Shamebo praised the organizers for proposing an “Ethiopian Day” to the Ethiopian Embassy in Djibouti. He emphasized that it served as an important venue to display “Ethiopia, Land of Origins”, and providing a unique flavour to the trade fair as well as showcasing the symbolic Ethio-Djibouti ties. He said: “an economic integration that hugely invests in the peoples of the two countries is guaranteed to pass the test of time; and this is exactly what our two countries are reaffirming here in this hall.” The Chairman of Djibouti’s Chamber of Commerce underlined the great importance Djibouti attached to the attendance of Ethiopia at the international Trade Fair which had attracted over three hundred exhibitors from around the world.
Participants at the fair on Ethiopia Day were able to sample Ethiopian cuisine. as the Embassy had encouraged Ethiopian Diaspora restaurant owners in Djibouti to participate. Coffee, of course, was provided for all those attending, and the cultural dance group from the Ethiopian National Theatre provided an impressive display as well as offering a traditional Ethiopian costume show. A variety of Ethiopian companies promoted their products and held business-to-business meetings to set up networking possibilities to find reliable partners and broaden market access.
