PM Modi Says Ethiopia Visit Has Injected Fresh Momentum into Bilateral Ties

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that his visit to Ethiopia has infused fresh momentum into India–Ethiopia relations, strengthening a partnership anchored in shared values and a common vision for the future. He also expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian people for their warm hospitality and thanked Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for the special gestures extended during the visit.

Concluding his two-day trip, PM Modi said the visit included productive discussions with his Ethiopian counterpart and the honour of addressing the Ethiopian Parliament. He noted that the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership would bring tangible benefits to both nations. The Prime Minister also appreciated PM Abiy Ahmed Ali for personally coming to the airport to see him off.

Prime Minister Modi departed Addis Ababa for Oman, the final leg of his three-nation tour. In a notable display of personal warmth, PM Abiy Ahmed Ali once again drove PM Modi to the airport and personally bid him farewell. A similar gesture had marked PM Modi’s arrival on Tuesday, when the Ethiopian leader received him at the airport and drove him to his hotel.

Earlier in the day, the two leaders participated in a tree-planting ceremony in Addis Ababa under India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, which aligns with Ethiopia’s Green Legacy programme. PM Modi described the initiative as a symbol of shared commitment to environmental sustainability.

PM Modi also addressed a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament, where he drew parallels between India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and Ethiopia’s national anthem ‘March Forward, Dear Mother Ethiopia’, noting that both nations revere their land as a mother. He said this shared sentiment reflects a common cultural and emotional bond with the motherland.

During his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ethiopia based on mutual trust, shared values and a collective vision for peace, development and cooperation. He also interacted with Ethiopian ministers and Members of Parliament following the address.

As part of his visit, PM Modi laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument and toured the Adwa Museum, where he was briefed on Ethiopia’s history and heritage. He was also conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, for which he expressed deep appreciation to the government and people of the country.

With inputs from IANS