Iran and Ethiopia Push for Strategic Economic Ties, Joint Commission After BRICS Entry
Tehran - BORNA - Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Parliament of Iran, and Tagesse Chafo, Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives of Ethiopia, held a joint press conference in Tehran to discuss the expansion of comprehensive relations following the recent membership of both nations in the BRICS group.
Ghalibaf emphasized Iran's strategic goal of developing ties with African nations, particularly those in the Horn of Africa. He stressed the need for concrete steps to capitalize on existing opportunities.
Ghalibaf noted that his visit to Ethiopia last year coincided with the joint entry of Iran and Ethiopia into BRICS. He highlighted Ethiopia's significance as one of the most populous African countries, with close cultural ties to the Islamic world and a substantial Muslim population.
"With a history of political and economic relations spanning over 70 years, and the entry of both countries into BRICS, we were in need of a transformation in communications," Ghalibaf said. He added that his invitation to Speaker Chafo to visit Iran was aimed at laying the groundwork for developing economic, political, and cultural relations.
He particularly called for quick action on trade, stating: "One of the important topics of this trip is the development of parliamentary relations between the two countries so that the parliamentary friendship groups can have deeper connections and increased ties. The Joint Economic Commission between the two countries must be established in the shortest possible time, and opportunities for greater cooperation must be provided."
Ghalibaf confirmed that the Ethiopian Prime Minister has promised a visit to Tehran, which is expected to further boost economic and political relations. "Iran has always sought relations with African countries, especially the Horn of Africa region. While supporting the integrity and territorial sovereignty of nations, we seek to develop relations. This is an opportunity for cooperation with Ethiopia, a country with high economic growth."
Chafo: Time to Define Close Cooperation
Chafo also expressed optimism about the future trajectory of bilateral ties, noting the historical depth of the relationship.
"Iran and Ethiopia have had diplomatic relations for over seven decades, and today, after more than 60 years [since the start of the strongest phase of relations], this can be considered the most important visit," Chafo stated.
He recalled Speaker Ghalibaf's visit to Ethiopia a few months ago, expressing hope that "the bilateral and parliamentary relations between Iran and Ethiopia will develop and strengthen."
Chafo highlighted the shared heritage: "Iran and Ethiopia are two countries with ancient civilizations and diverse historical and cultural commonalities. Currently, both Iran and Ethiopia are members of BRICS, and cooperation between the two countries at the parliamentary, economic, and political levels is of great importance."
The Ethiopian Speaker emphasized that the meeting laid the foundation for stronger ties: "Today, Mr. Ghalibaf and I established the basis for strengthening relations between the two countries. We hope that the political and economic relations between the two countries can develop, and close cooperation can be defined because there are excellent capacities in the Horn of Africa and Iran."
Chafo concluded by stating that following this visit, arrangements will be made for a visit by the Islamic Republic of Iran's Parliamentary Friendship Group to Ethiopia, and in turn, the Ethiopian Parliamentary Friendship Group will travel to Tehran to initiate further cooperation and exchange of information.
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