By: Goshu Melisew
Ethiopia and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening longstanding bilateral relations across multiple areas of cooperation.
Speaking at the commemoration event, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Air Vice Marshal Sitwat Nayeem, described March 26 as “the most glorious day” in Bangladesh’s history and highlighted the country’s remarkable journey since independence.
Highlighting bilateral relations, he recalled Ethiopia’s early recognition of Bangladesh following its independence in 1971 and emphasized that ties have deepened in recent years through growing cooperation in diplomacy, trade, and defense.
He also emphasized that both Ethiopia and Bangladesh played a significant role in promoting global peace, being among the foremost contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions, including deployments across Africa.
The ambassador further pointed to expanding connectivity, including direct air links, which are enhancing people-to-people relations and creating new opportunities for trade and tourism.
On his part, Dewano Kedir, Director-General for Asia, Middle East and Pacific Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to further strengthening its relations with Bangladesh.
He noted that the two countries have enjoyed friendly diplomatic ties since 1975, with cooperation expanding steadily, particularly following the opening of the Bangladesh Embassy in Addis Ababa in 2016.
Dewano Kedir highlighted the importance of collaboration in multilateral platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as the significant contributions both nations have made to United Nations peacekeeping efforts.
He also emphasized opportunities to deepen cooperation in key sectors, including textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, fisheries, and human development areas in which Bangladesh has demonstrated strong expertise. Ethiopia offers growing investment potential and encouraged Bangladeshi businesses to explore opportunities in the country, He added.
The Director-General further noted that enhanced air connectivity, particularly through Ethiopian Airlines’ flights to Dhaka, is playing a vital role in strengthening trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people ties.
Bangladesh marked its 55th Independence and National Day in Addis Ababa with a colorful reception attended by diplomats, government officials, and invited guests, highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries.
