External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called on Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali in Addis Ababa last night and conveyed the personal greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said India-Ethiopia bilateral cooperation has gained significant momentum in recent years, reflecting shared developmental aspirations and South-South solidarity.
Later, addressing a gathering, Dr Jaishankar also called on India and African countries to work together to amplify the concerns of the Global South, saying the impact of global crises on developing nations needed to be articulated forcefully and could not be ignored by the international community.
Referring to what he described as the “4F crisis” of fuel, food, fertilisers and finance, the External Affairs Minister said conflicts in different parts of the world, along with the COVID-19 pandemic in previous years, had set back the development prospects of the Global South.
Dr Jaishankar also addressed a gathering at the Adwa Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, where he spoke on the India-Africa partnership. He emphasised the need for India and Africa to strengthen their historic partnership, advance self-reliance and push for reforms in global institutions, saying both sides must be fairly represented in international decision-making and have the freedom to shape their own future.
He said both sides recognised the importance of infrastructure and connectivity, placed technology and human capital at the centre of development, and sought greater opportunities for women and young people. They also shared an understanding of the need to ensure sustainable growth and strengthen self-reliance.
