Irish PM’s visit to Ethiopia will strengthen diplomatic ties

The Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar is all to visit Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa on January 9. With an aim of strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries, the leader will hold discussions with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Sahle-Work Zewde.

According to a statement released by the Irish Embassy in Addis Ababa, '2019 marks 25 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Ethiopia and 25 years of Irish Aid's work in Ethiopia. The official visit of Prime Minister Varadkar will highlight the depth and strength of the relationship between the two countries and the achievements of our partnership to date.'

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar will reach Ethiopia's capital city from Mali. He will be meeting the counterpart Abiy Ahmed to discuss Ethiopia-Ireland relations, including North Atlantic island's support for the political and economic reforms underway in the Horn of Africa. Even the growth of Ireland's development cooperation program with Ethiopia and regional issues in the African country including the historic rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea will also be discussed.

The Irish leader will also pay a courtesy call on President Sahle-Work Zewde including meeting with Irish NGOs working in Ethiopia. He will also meet the Irish community based in Ethiopia where he is likely to unveil the new Ethio-Irish Alumni Association.