Ghalibaf highlights strengthening ties with Ethiopia

Ghalibaf made the remarks in a press conference following his meeting with Tagese Chaffo, Speaker of the Ethiopian House of Peoples' Representatives, on Saturday.

He noted that Chaffo’s two-day visit to Tehran comes at his formal invitation, following Ghalibaf’s trip to Ethiopia last year and coinciding with both countries’ membership in the BRICS group.

“Ethiopia, one of Africa’s most populous nations, shares cultural ties with the Islamic world, and a significant portion of its population is Muslim,” Ghalibaf stated, underlining the historical ties of over 70 years between Iran and Ethiopia in political and economic fields.

The Speaker highlighted the importance of transforming bilateral relations and said the visit aims to expand cooperation in economic, political, and cultural areas, especially with countries in the Horn of Africa. He emphasized the strategic use of maritime routes to boost trade and investment opportunities.

One of the key goals of the visit, Ghalibaf said, is to strengthen parliamentary relations through the Friendship Group between Iran and Ethiopia. This collaboration will pave the way for establishing and advancing the joint Economic Commission between the two countries, which is expected to convene its sixth session shortly.

Referring to his previous meetings with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Ghalibaf said, “The Prime Minister will also visit Tehran, and this trip provides an opportunity to further develop economic and political relations, particularly in agriculture and knowledge-based cooperation, leveraging mutual growth opportunities.”

For his part, Chaffo stated, “We hope to expand our bilateral relations not only between our governments but also between our parliaments and peoples. Iran and Ethiopia are two countries with ancient civilizations, sharing numerous historical and cultural ties. Today, both Iran and Ethiopia are members of BRICS.”

He stressed the growing importance of parliamentary and economic cooperation, noting, “Today, Mr. Ghalibaf and I have laid the foundations for strengthening relations between our two countries.”

Chaffo further elaborated on the potential for expanded cooperation, saying, “We are hopeful that we can achieve significant growth in political and economic relations and define closer collaboration between our countries. As my dear friend Mr. Ghalibaf mentioned, there are considerable opportunities in the Horn of Africa, and we recognize the abundant capacities in Iran and the region. We aim to create productive and sustainable partnerships together.”

Looking ahead, the Ethiopian Parliament Speaker said plans will be made for a future visit by Iran’s parliamentary friendship group to Ethiopia. Additionally, the Ethiopian parliamentary group is expected to visit Tehran, initiating greater information exchange and cooperation between the two countries.

This visit marks a continued effort by Iran to expand relations with African countries, particularly those in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing regional proximity, shared interests, and potential for sustainable collaboration./mehr