July 5, 2023 (ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has held Ethio – Djibouti Public Diplomacy Forum, in Addis Ababa.
Speaking on behalf of the IGAD Executive secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, and Fathia Alwan Director for Health and Social Development Division, Ms Yemisrach Benalfew, Coordinator for the Strengthening IGAD Migration Policy Implementation Project emphasized that IGAD is pleased to officiate the Ethio-Djibouti train mission; the first of its kind promoting IGAD’s vision of integration.
“Regional integration is a core objective of IGAD” she added, “Looking at regional integration as a process, and in the context of Djibouti and Ethiopia, the two countries have developed strong historical bonds sharing a common culture, social values, languages and connected also through trade.”
Ambassador Birtukan Ayano State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia explained that in the first phase of the IGAD Vision 2050, the organization prioritizes structural transformation of the region through commercialization and expansion of resilient green and blue economies, and sustainable utilization of natural resources.
“IGAD`s active involvement and participation in the bilateral project of the two countries is, therefore, commendable.” She stated.
In addition, she described that IGAD has been working for several years on migration management and related programs, with a focus on regional consultative processes to support member states’ policy commitments in an integrated manner.
She also underscored that the trip is used to promote IGAD’s Programs and practical outcomes of awareness creation to promote legal work force mobility by curbing irregular migration, human smuggling and transnational human trafficking.
Mr. Siraj Omar Abdulkader, Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior of Djibouti underlined that “the people living along our borders must receive special attention from us. They must benefit from the economic exchanges between our two sister nations Ethiopia and Djibouti.”
It has been stated in the ceremony that more than 120 agreements are signed in various fields between the two sisterly countries.
Ethiopia and Djibouti cities, towns and villages are connected by railway, road, telecom networks and aviation. The two countries are marching towards a more robust economic integration and solid political interconnection.
It is known that the peoples of Ethiopia and Djibouti share common culture, history, languages and social values which make them interdependent with each other.
