Iran, Ethiopia Aim To Strengthen Political, Economic Ties

TEHRAN, Dec 13 (Bernama-IRNA) -- Iran and Ethiopia have set a goal to expand their political, economic and cultural relations, with both countries’ recent BRICS membership expected to facilitate closer cooperation, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Speaker of Ethiopia’s House of Representatives Tagesse Chafo at the Iranian Parliament on Saturday, Ghalibaf highlighted the two nations’ long-standing seven-decade relationship, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported. 

He noted that Chafo’s official two-day visit to Tehran follows Ghalibaf’s visit to Addis Ababa last year and coincides with Iran and Ethiopia joining BRICS.

The Iranian speaker described Ethiopia as a major African country with a large population and deep cultural and religious ties to the Islamic world, particularly Iran.

He emphasised that both countries have identified economic, political and cultural development as key goals for bilateral cooperation.

Ghalibaf also outlined plans to expand economic and trade ties via the Red Sea corridor and strengthen parliamentary cooperation through friendship groups, which would facilitate faster joint work between the economic commissions of both legislatures.

Recalling his previous talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ghalibaf said the prime minister had promised to visit Tehran, a move expected to further deepen political and economic relations.

He added that Iran aims to enhance cooperation with African countries, particularly in the Horn of Africa, supporting territorial integrity while exploring opportunities in agriculture, energy, technical services and knowledge-based industries with Ethiopia.

In turn, the Ethiopian parliament speaker praised Iran for more than seven decades of diplomatic relations and noted that the current visit marks the highest-level Ethiopian delegation hosted in Tehran since the historic royal visit six decades ago.

Referring to Ghalibaf’s recent visit to Ethiopia, Chafo expressed hope for deepening parliamentary cooperation and expanding bilateral ties between the two governments and peoples.

He highlighted shared historical and cultural connections, the significance of BRICS membership and targeted efforts to enhance political, economic and cultural relations.

He also said plans are under way for an Iranian parliamentary delegation to visit Ethiopia, while Ethiopia–Iran parliamentary friendship groups will also visit Tehran to expand cooperation.

-- BERNAMA-IRNA