Ethiopia: President Sahle-Work Zewde starts a two-day visit to Burundi
RegionWeek Newsletter Vol IV, Issue #160 | Tuesday, February 9, 2021
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Dear Readers
Mrs. Sahle-Work Zewde, the President of the Federal and Democratic Republic of Ethiopia started a two-day working visit to Burundi this Tuesday, February 9, 2021. President Sahle-Work Zewde was warmly welcomed by her counterpart from Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, accompanied by senior executives and members of the government.
In a press briefing at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, President Sahle-Work Zewde said she was "honored to visit Burundi as Ethiopian Head of State and committed to working to strengthen Relations between Burundi Ethiopia ».
On the first day of his working visit to Burundi, the Ethiopian Head of State accompanied by the Burundian Vice-President Prosper Bazombanza gathered at the Mausoleums and laid a wreath of flowers in tribute of the Heroes of Independence and Democracy in Burundi.
This visit to Burundi follows a series of trips made in the region by the President of Ethiopia.
Tanzania
On January 25, 2021, President Sahle-Work Zewde paid a working visit to the United Republic of Tanzania. During the discussions with President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, the Presidents exchanged views on bilateral, regional, and continental issues. They highlighted the importance of enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries. The two presidents agreed to hold the next joint-ministerial commission meeting in March or April of this year and to work closely in the many sectors including trade, investment, and aviation.
It is to be recalled that Tanzania was the first riparian country to ratify the Comprehensive Framework Agreement (CFA) on the use of the Nile waters.
President Sahle–Work also briefed her counterpart on the law enforcement operation that was undertaken by the Ethiopian government in the Tigray region. Furthermore, she informed the President about the rehabilitation, peacebuilding, and humanitarian assistance currently underway in the region.
Democratic Republic of Congo
On January 27, 2021, Madam President Sahle-Work Zewde made a working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo where she met with her counterpart, President Felix Tshisekedi, on bilateral, regional, and continental issues.
They stressed the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two countries. The President announced the very forthcoming reopening of Ethiopian diplomatic representation in Kinshasa saying ′′ We are back in Kinshasa ". The Ethiopian embassy which was opened in 1962, following the independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo, had to close in the early 80s due to budget constraints.
President Sahle-Work also informed her counterpart of the law enforcement operation carried out by the Ethiopian government in the Tigray region. In addition, it informed the President of peacebuilding efforts and humanitarian aid supplies currently underway in the Tigray region.
IN THE HEADLINES
The Kingdom of Morocco to open an Embassy with residence in Bujumbura
At the invitation of the Government of Burundi, a high-level delegation from Morocco led by the Ambassador, CEO of the Moroccan International Cooperation Agency Mr. Mohamed Methqual stayed in Bujumbura from Feb 8-9, 2021 as part of the political consultations between the two countries.
The Ambassador, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation Mr. Mohamed Methqual announced the decision of the Kingdom of Morocco to open an Embassy with residence in Bujumbura by way of reciprocity which will serve as a direct diplomatic bridge.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Albert Shingiro welcomed the visit as an eloquent proof and a shared desire of the Burundian and Moroccan Governments to strengthen their cooperation. Amb Mohamed Methqual expressed the commitment of the Kingdom of Morocco to strengthen cooperation with Burundi in different areas.
Sada NAHIMANA (19) win his first match
Burundian Tennis champion Sada NAHIMANA (19) has just won her first match against Serbian player (24 years old) Dejana Radanovic in the 6-2 series; 7-6. It was in the "ITF Women's World Tennis Tour 2021" a Competition underway in South Africa). Sada points to 484th place while her opponent occupies 274th in the Singles WTA (Women's Tennis Association) ranking.
IN THE REGION
The High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the United Republic of Tanzania, Amb. Muhammad Saleem has today been accredited as the country’s representative to the East African Community. The High Commissioner presented his letter of credence to EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
Receiving the Pakistani High Commissioner, EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko disclosed that the EAC was undertaking tangible programs and projects to realize the dream of an integrated region. On his part, the Pakistani envoy invited the SG to lead a delegation of business-people from the region to visit Pakistan for purposes of exploring potential areas of partnerships in investment. Amb. Saleem said that there was a very strong wave in Pakistan to engage more with the EAC region.
He disclosed that Pakistan imported raw cotton worth US$50 million from Tanzanian last year, adding that other potential export crops from the region include palm oil, coconuts, and cashew nuts. “Economic diplomacy for Pakistan is not about our country dumping goods in East Africa. We are seeking a win-win situation for Pakistan and East Africa,” said Amb. Saleem. He added that education and vocational training were also areas where East Africa would benefit immensely from cooperation with Pakistan.
Thanks for Reading!
Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief
RegionWeek.com
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