Minister of State for External Affairs visits Ethiopia for African Union Summit
Minister of State for External Affairs visits Ethiopia for African Union Summit
INDIA TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AND INDIA’S CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation ( ITEC) Day Celebrated
Signing agreement between the EXIM Bank of India and Ministry of Finance of the FDRE
Press Release Archive 2009-2006
Minister of State for External Affairs visits Ethiopia for African Union Summit
Mrs. Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs led the Indian delegation to the African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa. She participated in the Ministerial Executive Council sessions between 26-28 January 2011.
Mrs. Preneet Kaur was invited to address the inaugural plenary session of the Executive Council. She paid a rich tribute to India’s engagement with Africa and emphasized the consultative nature of the partnership. She thanked Africa for its support for India’s elections to the non-permanent seat in UN Security Council and received wide acclamation when she enunciated India’s desire to continued consultation with Africa on African problems.
Mrs. Preneet Kaur elaborated on the efforts made by India to create a new matrix of collaboration with Africa since the first India Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi in April 2008. She spoke about the implementation of the decisions taken there. She also announced that India will abide by its commitment to hold the second India Africa Forum Summit in Africa in 2011 and said we await the decision of the African Union which is expected to be taken at this Summit.
Mrs. Preneet Kaur has met with over 20 different delegations from AU member states, other observers and representatives of Regional Economic Communities of Africa. There was widespread appreciation of India’s approach to Africa as elaborated in Mrs. Preneet Kaur’s address. Many Foreign Ministers expressed their satisfaction at the substantial implementation of the decisions taken at IAFS-I and said they looked forward to continuing deepening relations with India at IAFS-II.
During his interaction with Mrs. Preneet Kaur, Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn expressed happiness over the increasing trend of FDI from India in agriculture. He appreciate the contribution made by the farmers, especially from Punjab who have come here and made an exemplary progress. Mrs. Preneet Kaur, while interacting with Indian community, noted with happiness and great satisfaction that a large number of farmers from Punjab who have come here after the conference held in Patiala to encourage investment in Africa, have succeeded in their ventures. These farmers met the Minister and expressed their gratitude and satisfaction on getting proper guidance and so made a successful beginning in Ethiopia.
Mrs. Preneet Kaur met with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Ping. On the margins of the African Union Summit, she had bilateral meetings with several Foreign Ministers, including South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Burundi, Senegal, Chad, Mauritania, amongst others, including many of those who attended the IAFS-I and are likely to attend the IAFS-II. .
Addis Ababa, the 28th January 2011
61st Anniversary of Republic Day of India celebrated
On the occasion of the 61th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Chancery premises of the Embassy of India on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. The flag-hoisting ceremony was followed by singing of the national anthem of India and a few patriotic songs after which the speech delivered by the President of India on the eve of the Republic Day was read out by the Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Bhagwant Bishnoi. The ceremony was attended by the members of the Indian community based in different parts of Ethiopia as well as friends of India.
A grand reception to mark the occasion was organized on Friday, January 21, 2011 at Hotel Hilton The reception was attended by Ministers of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Members of the Ethiopian Parliament, including the members of the Ethio-India Friendship group, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Commissioners and officials of the African Union Commission, members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials of various Ministries and Departments the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, distinguished guests, members of the Indian Community in Ethiopia and other friends of India.
On the occasion of the 61th anniversary of the Republic Day of India, a flag-hoisting ceremony was also organized by the Honorary Consulate of India in Djibouti on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. The ceremony was attended by the members of the Indian community based in Djibouti as well as friends of India.
January 26, 2011
Addis Ababa
Minister of State for External Affairs visits Ethiopia for African Union Summit
H.E. Mrs. Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs of the Government of India is visiting Addis Ababa in connection with the African Union Summit which is taking place from January 27-31, 2011.
The Indian Minister will be participating in the 18th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union on January 27, 2011, where she will be addressing the Executive Council’s opening session.
During the course of her stay in Addis Ababa, the Indian Minister is slated to hold discussions with the delegations of many African countries on issues of bilateral, continental and international importance.
It may be mentioned that the first ever India Africa Forum Summit took place in India in April 2008. According to the decisions taken in the last Summit, the next Summit will take place in Africa.
Keeping in view the excellent state of bilateral relations between Ethiopia and India, the Indian Minister is likely to meet senior leaders of the Ethiopian Government to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Addis Ababa
January 25, 2011
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh reiterated that Africa remains India’s top priority and would look to energize the relationship through greater diversity and depth. He said this during his meeting with visiting Rwandan Prime Minister Mr. Bernard Makuza on 14 January 2011.
The Prime Minister further said that India wants to be an active partner in Africa’s development and wants to work with African countries to accelerate the pace of social and economic development. He identified areas of infrastructure development, agriculture, SMEs, HRD and ICT for closer engagement with Africa.
Recalling the first India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) held in New Delhi in 2008, the Prime Minister said that the decisions taken at that Summit aim to support capacity building, human resource development and infrastructure development in Africa. Many of those decisions were already under implementation including the establishment of 19 capacity building institutions in various African countries as per their own decision. A large number of African trainees were currently in India undertaking various training programmes discussed at the IAFS.
Prime Minister also said that India and Africa would work together to deal with common challenges in the world. He expressed the confidence that Africa would play its role to a full potential for developing its agriculture, infrastructure, industry and services as that would contribute to the world’s growth and development.
The Rwandan Prime Minister appreciated India’s approach to Africa and said that India’s integral outlook which saw Africa as a whole as well as recognized the growing regional integration in Africa besides the bilateral engagements was praiseworthy.
Addis Ababa
January 18, 2011
5th International Conference on Federalism at Addis
Ababa
from December 13-16, 2010
H.E. Mr. Gurudas Kamat, Minister of State for Communications, Government of India, visited Addis Ababa to participate in the 5th International Conference on Federalism which was organized in Addis Ababa from December 12-16, 2010. The Minister represented the Prime Minister of India at this Conference.
On December 14, 2010, the Minister gave a keynote address on the subject “Unity in Diversity” where his speech was applauded by a packed hall at UNECA.
During his stay in Addis Ababa the Minister had visited Black Lion Hospital and Addis Ababa University to see the progress of the Pan-African e-network project funded by the Government of India.
Before leaving for India on December 15, 2010, the Minister had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Meles Zenawi. The Indian Minister congratulated the Government of Ethiopia for organizing such a successful and well attended Conference. The Indian Minister mentioned about the wonderful state of bilateral relations which were enjoyed by the two countries in all spheres of activity. The Minister offered India’s whole-hearted support to Ethiopia in its efforts in the fields of human resource development and capacity building. In both areas, India has been offering scholarships and short-term training programmes. The Minister congratulated the Prime Minister on his sound record of governance and political stability in the country under his leadership. The Minister also referred to a recent visit by the Foreign Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia to India to participate in a meeting of Joint Ministerial Commission.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation of the fact that India was represented by a senior Minister. He said that the relations between the two countries were deep rooted and went back to olden times. He appreciated the vibrant and active Indian community which was engaged in various developmental activities in Ethiopia and offered all help to make sure that they expanded their engagement. He also appreciated Indian teachers for building a strong foundation for education in Ethiopia. The Prime Minister said that both countries not only enjoyed excellent bilateral relations but also cooperated well at international forums on various issues of international concern and mutual interest.
Addis Ababa
December 16, 2010
5th International Conference on
Federalism at Addis Ababa
from December 13-16, 2010
5th International Conference on Federalism is taking place in Addis Ababa from December 13-16, 2010. In this connection, H.E. Mr. Gurudas Kamat, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Government of India is representing the Prime Minister of India at this Conference.
A Pan-African e-Network Project was launched by India under which a pilot project was inaugurated by the then External Affairs Minister of India, H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee in July 2007. Under the Pan-African e-Network Project 47 African countries are currently taking advantage of this network. The Pan-African e-network Project has three components namely, Tele-Medicine, Tele-Education and VVIP Connectivity.
Ethiopia was the first country where this project was initiated in July 2007. When the pilot project was completed in September 2009, a new equipment was installed at the Black Lion Hospital and the other equipment which was also in good working condition was lying with the Black Lion Hospital. As a goodwill gesture the Government of India decided to donate this equipment to the Black Lion Hospital. In a ceremony this morning, 13th December 2010, which was also attended by H.E. Dr. Kebede Worku, Hon’ble State Minister for Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the equipment was handed over by H.E. Mr. Gurudas Kamat to H.E. Dr. Kebede Worku. This equipment is worth more than half-a-million US dollars. The Hon’ble State Minister for Health, Dr. Kebede deeply appreciated this gesture of the Government of India and thanked the Government and the people of India. He expressed his happiness and said that this facility which was already benefiting a lot of Ethiopian nationals would continue to be utilized not only by Black Lion Hospital but also by other Universities and other Hospitals in the country. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Bhagwant S. Bishnoi, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, other delegation members accompanying the Minister, the CEO of Black Lion Hospital, as also other faculty members and students who visit hospital for participating in the continuing medical education and tele-consultation.
Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, H.E. Mr. Gurudas Kamat expressed his happiness at the excellent work being done by the Black Lion Hospital and said that the Government of India was in the process of providing a CT-Scan machine to the Black Lion Hospital. The Minister said that this process was in the final stages. He expressed the hope that the bilateral relations between the two countries would continue to grow.
The Indian Minister later on visited the Tele-Education Center at the Addis Ababa University where about 60 Ethiopian Nationals are currently pursuing Masters programme in information technology and business management from two universities namely, University of Madras and India Gandhi National Open University. The Minister interacted live with the Managing Director of Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) which is the implementing agency for this project
During the course of his stay in Addis Ababa, Mr. Kamat is likely to meet other Ministers and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
Addis Ababa
December 13, 2010
First Joint Commission meeting between India and Ethiopia
November 30-December 1, 2010, New Delhi
The first Joint Commission Meeting between the Republic of India and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was held on 30 November and 1 December, 2010 at New Delhi. The Ethiopian delegation was led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn. The Indian delegation was led by H.E. Mr. S.M. Krishna, Minister of External Affairs of India.
2. The two heads of delegations hailed the existing warm and cordial relations between the two countries. They emphasized the significance of this first Joint Commission meeting as another milestone of meaningful and growing cooperation between the two countries. Both the leaders also agreed to infuse the close political relationship with greater economic content. Both sides agreed that the relationship will expand in many more ways in diverse sectors.
3. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, in his opening remarks, mentioned that the relations between Ethiopia and India are based on mutual respect and benefit which is a classical example of South-South Cooperation. Ethiopia draws meaningful lessons from India's experiences and expertise in the areas of democratization, federalism, election, and others.
4. Both sides reviewed the bilateral relations and expressed their satisfaction over the progress made in the last five years and exchanged views on regional and international issues of interest to both sides.
5. The Ethiopian side expressed thanks to the Government of India for extending Lines of Credit for US$ 705 million (US$ 640 million for sugar development and US$ 65 million for power transmission). An agreement for release of third tranche of US$ 213.31 million to support the sugar development was signed between EXIM Bank and Government of Ethiopia during the meeting on 1st December, 2010.
6. The Ethiopian side expressed gratitude for providing training under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation, long-term scholarships under ICCR, scientific and special agricultural scholarships and other training programmes emanating from the decisions of the India Africa Forum Summit,and mentioned that these trainings are very useful for capacity building and human resource development of Ethiopia. Further he referred to the Pan African e-network for tele-education & tele-medicine and mentioned that after the successful implementation of the pilot project in Ethiopia in 2007, they have expanded this to various universities in Ethiopia in collaboration with IIT Delhi. To enhance cooperation in Science & Technology sector, a programme of cooperation on Science & Technology was signed after the meeting on 1st December, 2010.
7. Ethiopia reiterated its support for Permanent Membership for India on a reformed UN Security Council.
8. The Ethiopian side mentioned that the India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) was a unique initiative and had contributed to African development. They welcomed the decisions and implementation of the first India- Africa Forum Summit and looked forward to work closely with India for the successful conduct of the second IAFS to be held in Africa in 2011.
9. During the visit, the Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister also met with H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of Finance and H.E. Mr. Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce & Industry of India to discuss bilateral issues. He delivered a lecture on Ethiopia-India Relations at the Indian Council of World Affairs and visited Foreign Service Institute to explore the possibility of cooperation. He also had interaction with business community at business meet hosted by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in which he invited Indian business community to invest in Ethiopia in the area of agriculture, infrastructure, information technology and the like.
10. India and Ethiopia enjoy warm and cordial relations in political, commercial, cultural and other areas. The overall matrix of bilateral commercial relations is led by private sector investment, Lines of Credit and by Indian companies engaged in various infrastructure projects, while trade constitutes a smaller but growing segment.
Addis Ababa
December 3, 2010
First India-Ethiopia Joint
Ministerial Commission Meeting,
December 1 & 2, 2010
The first India-Ethiopia Joint Ministerial Commission Meeting is taking place in New Delhi, India on December 1 & 2, 2010. The Ethiopian delegation is being led by H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Hon’ble Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The delegation will also have two State Ministers, namely, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Tusa, State Minister for Trade and H.E. Mr. Ahmed Shide, State Minister for Finance and Economic Development. Senior Government officials including the Director General in charge for Asia, H.E. Ambassador Mahdi Ahmed Gadid as also Director General in charge of Ethiopian Investment Agency, other senior officials of various Ministries and Departments of the Government would be participating in the deliberations.
The Indian side would be led by the External Affairs Minister of India, H.E. Mr. S.M. Krishna and other senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs. Discussions would also be held between the Ethiopian delegation and other Ministries/Departments of the Government of India.
During the course of the discussions both sides are expected to discuss issues of bilateral concern such as trade, investment and cooperation in various mutually beneficial areas like science and technology, education, justice and the like. A few agreements are also likely to be finalized during the meetings between the delegations of the two countries.
It may be mentioned that Ethiopia and India enjoy excellent bilateral relations and India is currently one of the largest foreign investors in Ethiopia with committed investments exceeding US $ 4.4 billion which are increasing. In the recent past, Indian investments in floriculture and agriculture have dominated the flow of investments.
Both countries are currently engaged in expanding their relations in all possible areas. India offers 40 scholarships to Ethiopian nationals to pursue university studies in India. Under its capacity building programme India offers around 100 fully paid short-term training courses to Ethiopian officials drawn from a variety of institutions. Full utilization of the courses justify the slots offered by the Government of India.
The current round of discussions is likely to pave the way for more focused engagement between the two countries in view of the fact that both countries have undergone similar types of situations and face similar type of challenges in fighting poverty, terrorism and in pursuit of all-round development for their countrymen. Both are democracies and follow federal structure of government. The relations between the two countries go back to many centuries and have remained uninterrupted even when there have been changes in governments in both the countries.
The first-ever consultations between the Foreign Offices of Ethiopia and India had taken place in March-April this year.
Since Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the 53-nation African Union, the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa works very closely with the Ethiopian Government in implementing the decisions taken pursuant to the first ever India Africa Forum Summit of April 2008. The next India Africa Forum Summit is likely to take place in Africa in 2011. The Indian Ambassador in Ethiopia is also the Permanent Representative of India to the African Union.
December 1, 2010
Visit of Regional Economic Communities Delegation
14-16 November 2010
As part of the continuing engagement between India
and Africa on an institutional basis, the first ever meeting between India and
the African Regional Economic Communities [RECs] was held in New Delhi between
14 and 16 November 2010.
It was attended by the Secretary Generals of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and East African Community (EAC), the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Deputy Executive Secretary of Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), Adviser in-charge of Political Affairs of Community of Sahel-Saharan States CENSAD, the Director of Political Affairs of Union of the Arab Maghreb (UMA/AMU) and senior officials from their delegations.
Africa has a large number of Regional Communities and eight of them are recognised by the African Union. These include the above and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD). These eight RECs are an integral part of the India Africa Forum Summit structure based on a decision of the African Union Summit taken at Banjul in July 2006. The countries that Chair these eight RECs were invited to the first India Africa Forum Summit in April 2008.
India’s multi-layered cooperation with Africa works through the traditional bilateral engagement, with the rapidly involving engagement at the continental level through the African Union and also at the regional level through the RECs.
There has been active engagement with some of the RECs and MOUs have also been signed but on this occasion, an initiative was taken to engage all of them together so that the implementation of the India Africa Action Plan for the Framework of Cooperation could be discussed in detail and implementation procedures worked out.
The RECs were welcomed by Smt. Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs, who said that they were an important element of the India Africa partnership structure and India looked forward to work with them to implement the decisions of the IAFS. The RECs expressed their deep appreciation for the Government of India’s initiative in inviting them as integral partners of India in Africa. A detailed wrap-up session was held under the Chairmanship of Shri Vivek Katju, Secretary (West), where results of the process of consultation and how to take it further were discussed.
The representatives of the RECs met with several Ministries and agencies of the Government of India who are engaged in implementing jointly agreed programme and projects. These include: the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges and Ministry of Finance with whom developing capacities of regional stock exchanges in Africa was discussed; with the Ministry of Food Processing where the handling of post harvest issues and food processing in Africa was discussed and with the National Small Industries Corporation, who arranged a visit to Techmart at the India International Trade Fair where economic development through engagement with small industries was the focus of discussion. India is to establish 10 small industry incubators in Africa, two in every region under commitments of the Action Plan of the IAFS. A presentation by TCIL on the Pan-African e-Network project led to significant discussions on implementing the regional dimensions to this project and to enhance its usage in many of the countries covered by the RECs.
The delegation also received presentations from the Education Consultants India Limited (EdCIL) on setting up of the India Africa Institute of Information Technology in Ghana; National University of Educational Planning & Administration (NUEPA) on setting up of the India Africa Institute for Education Planning & Administration in Burundi; the National Institute for Training of Highway Engineers on computer aided design for roads and bridges; Building Materials Technology Promotion Council on establishment of Human Settlement Centres and related issues under the IAFS and by the Indian Diamond Institute on the India Africa Diamond Institute to be established in Southern Africa. They also met with representatives of the Ministry of Railways and RITES to discuss ideas for regional railways networks.
The delegation had an occasion to interact with the Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and appreciate India’s cultural diplomacy in Africa.
Two special sessions were organised, one by CII and other by FICCI, to provide a private sector interaction for the delegation from the RECs. A cross-section of Indian investors and entrepreneurs met with the delegates to discuss opportunities in their region, to learn about the growing market size, i.e., from about 130 million people in the EAC to nearly 400 million in COMESA.
Africa’s Regional Economic Communities’ movement towards harmonisation of standards and laws and to create common markets, have an important bearing on the development of India’s trade and investment. They are also seeking to harmonise better movement of goods and services through enhanced infrastructure development and integration as well as the development of processing facilities, particularly in agriculture, mining and oil and gas. They are keen to engage with India’s private sector to attract them to the greater opportunities for trade and investment and sensitise the Indian agencies on their capacity building, human resource development, food and agriculture processing requirements as well as their desire to have greater investment for the development of their own resources.
The representatives of the Regional Economic Communities expressed their gratitude to India for taking such an initiative to engage with them and recognise the regional dimension of Africa’s development. They considered India an important partner and were happy to have a structured dialogue in this format. Some of the RECs who already have MOUs with India (EAC, COMESA, SADC) were keen to intensify the dialogue on a regular basis and to review implementation of decisions taken. Other RECs were keen to move towards bilateral MOUs so that an enhancement of their engagement with India could occur. All of them expressed appreciation for the detailed programme and interaction arranged for them through which they got briefings from a variety of implementing agencies and Ministries.
It was agreed that the dialogue with the RECs would continue with them periodically and appropriate action plans including all decisions taken through the Joint Action Plan with the AU would be pursued together.
Addis Ababa
November 14, 2010
INDIAN EMBASSY ORGANISES CULTURAL PERFORMANCES OF A PUNJABI FOLK MUSIC AND DANCE GROUP FROM INDIA TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AND INDIA’S CULTURAL DIVERSITY
An Indian folk and music dance group visited Ethiopia from November 5-12, 2010 under the cultural exchange programme between Ethiopia and India.
The cultural group was led by Mr. Subhash Goyal and Mrs. Anju Goyal. The group consisted of other 13 members who were very talented dancers, singers and musicians.
During its stay in Ethiopia the group visited Dire Dawa, Ambo University and Hailom Araya Military Academy, Holetta. In all the places, the group gave performances to packed halls and earned the applause of the public.
While in Addis Ababa, the group performed at a cultural function which was organized by the Embassy of India on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights, on November 6, 2010, which was attended by more than 600 people and included many Ministers, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, other invited guests and members of the Indian community in Ethiopia. Ethiopians also attended in good numbers. The group gave its final performance at the National Theater on Thursday, November 11, 2010 where it performed to a capacity crowd of more than 700 people. The group drew wide applause from the crowds wherever it went. The main feature of its performance on 11th November at the National Theater was that the group organized performances with Ethiopian dancers and presented a fusion of Indian and Ethiopian cultures. The crowd appreciated this amalgamation of two cultures with repeated applause.
These groups visit Ethiopia under the cultural exchange programme between India and Ethiopia. For a few years now a cultural troupe visits Ethiopia every year, where there is a sizeable discerning audience to appreciate the nuances of Indian music and its cultural diversity. The main idea of organizing these performances is to promote people to people interaction and to bring the peoples and cultures of the two countries closer to each other.
Addis Ababa
November 12, 2010
Exim Bank Opens East Africa Office
Mr. R. Gopalan, Secretary (Financial Services), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, delivering the Inaugural Address at the Inauguration of Exim Bank of India’s East Africa Office in Addis Ababa., Ethiopia on September 21, 2010. Seen on the dais (left to right) Mr. Prabhakar Dalal, Executive Director, Exim Bank, Mr. T. C. A. Ranganathan, Chairman & Managing Director, Exim Bank and H. E. Mr. Ahmed Shide, Hon’ble State Minister for Finance and Economic Development, Government of Ethiopia, H. E. Dr. Tekeda Alemu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of Ethiopia and Mr. Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia.
Export-Import Bank of India’s (Exim Bank’s) East Africa representative office at Addis Ababa was formally inaugurated on September 21, 2010 by Mr. R. Gopalan, Secretary (Financial Services), Government of India in the esteemed presence of H. E. Mr. Ahmed Shide, Hon’ble State Minister for Finance and Economic Development, Government of Ethiopia, H. E. Dr. Tekeda Alemu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of Ethiopia and H.E. Mr. Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia at a function which was attended by high-level Government functionaries, diplomats from the East African region, multi-lateral agencies, United Nations organisations, banks, large number of corporates and the Indian diasporas. The office in Addis Ababa would cover the East African Region covering countries such as Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Delivering the Inaugural Address, Mr. R. Gopalan observed that Exim Bank plays an important role in the financing of Indian exports and assisting corporates in their globalisation efforts, as also helping in the development of infrastructure. Highlighting the potential of the region, he noted that the setting up of Exim Bank’s office in Addis Ababa would serve to boost trade from the region and that the Bank could facilitate acquisition of equipment and technologies which could be beneficial for the country and the East African region.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ahmed Shide welcomed Exim Bank's decision to open an office in Addis Ababa, its seventh overseas regional office, and hoped that Exim Bank's presence in the region would serve to further boost and facilitate trade between India and the East African region. He urged the trade and industry bodies in the region to benefit from the use of financing and support services offered by Exim Bank.
In his brief observations, Dr. Tekeda Alemu, spoke on the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and India and the pivotal role of India in the economic development of the African region. He opined that the opening of the representative office of Exim Bank would boost the economic cooperation and development in the East African region.
Exim Bank's Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. T.C.A. Ranganathan, in his address, stated that Exim Bank would serve as a reliable source of finance through the Lines of Credit extended at the behest of Government of India, Project Exports, Buyers’
Credit/SBLCs, Indian investment abroad, Knowledge Building and consultancy support services for externally oriented companies in the region, supporting them in their efforts to become internationally competitive. He added that Exim Bank supports Indian companies in their trade & investment activities.
H.E. Mr. Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi in his address emphasised the historical relations between both the countries and the trade potential in Ethiopia. He complimented Exim Bank on opening of the East African Regional Office in Ethiopia.
On this occasion, Exim Bank’s publication on ‘COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa): A Study of India’s Trade and Investment Potential” was released at the hands of Mr. R. Gopalan, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India and other dignitaries. The study has delineated broad strategies and recommendations to enhance and foster India's commercial relations with the COMESA region, which include: cooperation in agricultural development, natural resource development, cooperation in hotel and tourism industry, focus on ICT, human resource development, cooperation in infrastructure, banking and energy, besides broadening linkages with trade and investment promotion institutions in the region. Such endeavours could also be supplemented by measures such as: focus on increased participation in multilaterally funded projects, setting up business hub(s) in the region, and establishing preferential trade agreement between India and COMESA.
Apart from its Head Office in Mumbai, the Bank has regional offices spread across the major cities of India viz. Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune. The overseas offices of the Bank are located in Dakar, Dubai, Durban, London, Singapore and Washington DC.
For further information, please contact
Capt. Sachin More, Resident Representative, Export Import Bank of India, East Africa Regional Office, Bole Kifle Ketema, Kebele-19 (03/05), House No. 015-B, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Ph: +251-116-630079; Fax: +251-116-610170, E-mail: sachin@eximbankindia.in
September 21, 2010
Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation ( ITEC) Day Celebrated:
The Embassy of India in Addis Ababa celebrated the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation , (popularly known as ITEC), Day on September 15, 2010. On this occasion a function was organized in Hotel Hilton, Addis Ababa which was attended by a large number of ITEC alumni. Mr. Zeleke Mehari Bitwilign , Member of the Ethiopian Parliament was the guest of honour.
In his keynote address, H.E. Mr. Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia gave a brief background of the ITEC programme and the vast range of subjects which are covered under it. He observed that though the programme started as a bilateral one, it had occasionally been used for financing trilateral and regional programmes under the Economic Commission for Africa, UNIDO and Group of 77. Today the Afro Asian Rural Reconstruction Organization and G-15 are being helped by ITEC with training and project support and a small beginning had also been made with cooperation with the SADC, COMESA and the African Union Commission. The programme has five components viz. 1) Training in India of nominees of ITEC partner countries; 2) Projects and Project related activities such as feasibility studies and consultancy services; 3) Deputation of Indian experts abroad; 4) Study Tours; and 5) Aid for Disaster Relief.
He informed the guests that in case of Ethiopia, the programme was launched in 1969 and in the course of last four decades it had made great strides. He said that it was a great source of joy and satisfaction for him that the response to the programme from Ethiopia had been truly overwhelming. From a mere 5 in 1969 the number of slots had risen to 90 for 2010- 2011. Besides these, there were 13 slots allotted to the African Union Commission, 15 to The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and 15 to Djibouti. He had a word of appreciation for Ethiopian authorities, who had shown keen interest to avail of ITEC training courses and had painstakingly selected suitable candidates who in all cases barring very few met the selection criteria. He referred to the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister H.E. Excellency Mr. Pranab Mukherjee in July 2007, when it was decided that the ITEC slots for Ethiopia should be doubled in next four years from the then 25 to 50. This was a special gesture to mark the Ethiopian Millennium and 60th Anniversary of India’s Independence. In conjunction with the first ever India- Africa Forum Summit in April, 2008 , special courses on Small and Medium Enterprises were organized under ITEC in March , 2008 at National Institute of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ( NIMSME) , Hyderabad which was attended by 22 Ethiopians from various Government organizations. Similarly, in the same year, 9 Ethiopians attended the courses on special Strategic Leadership Development programme in Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad. He also referred to the 9 member Indian army training Team which was on a three year assignment to Ethiopia imparting training to the Ethiopian army personnel in Major General Hailom Araya Academy in Holetta and to the four short term defence training courses which had been made available to 5 Ethiopian defence personnel in premier defence training facilities in India
Responding to the overwhelming response from Ethiopia to the ITEC training courses the Ambassador informed the guests that it would be his endeavour to increase the slots still further from the present 90 to 120. He informed the gathering that till date over 750 Ethiopian nominees had availed training under the Programme.
The Ambassador was of the opinion ITEC was of particular interest and importance to Ethiopia because the newly emerging managerial cadres in the country get an opportunity to interact with centers of managerial training in India, focusing on the challenges of the country’s public and corporate sectors. This programme, according to him had also been of great advantage in fostering contacts between Indian entrepreneurs and the new generation of Ethiopian decision makers, whose exposure to Indian management training system helped them benefit from Indian capabilities to build capacity in the industrial and financial sectors.
In the end he congratulated the ITEC beneficiaries for having availed of the ITEC courses and benefitted from them. He hoped that the training and experience gained by such beneficiaries would be used by them in the task of nation building and that the programme would foster better people to people relations between the two countries.
Thanking the Indian Embassy for having given him an opportunity to address the function, Mr. Zeleke Mehari Bitewilign, Member of Ethiopian Parliament and the Ethiopian guest of honour on the occasion said that ITEC programme, one of India’s topmost for training, human resource development and capacity building, is one of many ways in which the deep and ever strengthening relationship between Ethiopia and India had manifested itself. He said that as a leading developing nation, Ethiopia was in great need to have trained and skilled manpower. Over the years the ITEC trainings have contributed to that end and that beneficiaries were contributing to the task of development and nation building. He was happy to note that there was a realization on the Indian side of the enthusiasm with which the ITEC programme had been received at the Ethiopian end and also equally happy that this enthusiasm had been matched by the Government of India by gradually increasing the number of slots for Ethiopian candidates. In his address he made a mention of the nine member Indian Army Training Team, training the Ethiopian army officers in the Major General Hailom Araya Academy in Holetta, the Indian assistance in the establishment of the Harar Military academy in 1958, the Pan African E-Network Programme. He also utilized the opportunity to observe that today India was one of the top investors in Ethiopia with a total committed investment of USD 4.31 Billion.
He wished stronger and more fruitful relations between the two countries for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. He expressed his sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the untiring efforts that H.E. Mr. Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi, Ambassador of India to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for taking the cooperation between our two countries to ever higher and higher levels, particularly in the fields of Indian assistance in the capacity building & human resource development and Indian investment in Ethiopia.
On this occasion, four Ethiopian nationals, who had undergone ITEC trainings in India also gave short speeches. They narrated their experiences vis –a- vis the training courses as also India in general. All of them admitted to have been greatly benefitted from their respective training courses, which according to them had not only helped them with respect to their jobs but have also widened their mental horizons.
A documentary film, “Friends For Evermore” was also screened on this occasion, which was about the views and opinions of the candidates from a large number of countries who had benefitted under the ITEC programme. The film was greatly appreciated by the guests.
September
15, 2010
Addis Ababa.
INDIANS CELEBRATE 64rd INDEPENDENCE DAY OF INDIA
The Embassy of India celebrated the 64th Independence Day of India at the Embassy premises in Arada district in Addis Ababa on August 15, 2010. Around 200 members of the Indian community gathered, as the national flag was unfurled by the Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi. The flag hoisting ceremony was followed by singing of the national anthem of India and some patriotic songs after which the Ambassador read out the message of the President of India delivered on the eve of the 64th Independence Day of India.
On the eve of the Independence Day, the Ethiopian Television showed a documentary film entitled “Friends For Evermore”. The documentary spoke of India’s engagement with Africa and other countries in the field of capacity building which has resulted in establishment of strong bonds between the peoples of India and the countries with which India has engaged with its capacity building endeavors. The Addis Ababa Television conducted an interview with the Ambassador of India on the state of bilateral relations between the two countries and finding ways and means to strengthen them further. India Women’s Association in Addis Ababa presented patriotic songs and children of Embassy’s officials sang the national anthem.
On the occasion of the 64th Independence Day of India, a flag-hoisting ceremony was also organized at the Honorary Consulate of India in Djibouti on Sunday, August 15, 2010. The Ambassador of India is concurrently accredited as the Ambassador of India to Djibouti as well. Mr. Nalin Kothari, the Honorary Consul of India in Djibouti unfurled the national tricolour after which the national anthem was sung and the speech delivered by the President of India on the eve of the Independence Day was read out by the Honorary Consul. The ceremony was attended by the members of the Indian community based in Djibouti as well as friends of India.
Addis Ababa
August 15,
2010
Signing agreement between
the EXIM Bank of India and Ministry of Finance of the FDRE
for Setting up of EXIM Bank’s Representative office in Addis Ababa on May 25th
2010
Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) and the Government of Ethiopia (GOE) signed in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, a ‘Headquarters Agreement’, for setting up a Representative Office (RO) of Exim Bank in Addis Ababa. The Agreement was signed by Mr. T.C.A. Ranganathan, Chairman and Managing Director, Exim Bank and H.E. Mr. Sufian Ahmed, Minister for Finance & Economic Development. The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia and senior officials of Exim Bank, Indian Embassy and the Government of Ethiopia.
Exim Bank’s office in Addis Ababa will promote trade and investment flows between India and the East African region, including Ethiopia in particular, interact with Governments, overseas diplomatic missions and financial Institutions in the region, monitor the projects financed by Exim Bank in the region, and undertake other trade promotion related activities. This office will look after Exim Bank’s interest in Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Exim Bank’s office in Addis Ababa will be its seventh overseas regional office and third office in Africa. Its other overseas offices are at Dakar, Dubai, Durban, London, Singapore and Washington DC.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Mr. Sufian Ahmed, Minister, MoFED, GOE, welcomed Exim Bank's decision to open an office in Addis Ababa, and hoped that Exim Bank's presence in the region would serve to further boost and facilitate exports from India. He urged the trade and industry bodies in the region to benefit from the use of financing and support services offered by Exim Bank.
Exim Bank's Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. T.C.A. Ranganathan, in his address, stated that Exim Bank’s office in Ethiopia would serve as an effective gateway for promoting trade and investment between India and the East African region and facilitate joint ventures and technology transfer.
Exim Bank was set up by an Act of Indian Parliament in September 1981 for the purpose of financing, facilitating and promoting India’s foreign trade. Exim Bank is the principal financial institution in the country for coordinating working of institutions engaged in financing exports and imports. In order to promote India's trade and investment relations with Africa, Exim Bank has in place various financial and promotional programmes. Exim Bank also provides information and advisory services and finance for promoting participation of Indian companies in projects in Africa. Exim Bank provides Lines of Credit to Governments, Government agencies, banks and financial institutions in African countries for financing export of projects, goods and services from India. As of today, Exim Bank has 85 Lines of Credit, covering 47 countries in Africa, with the value of credit amounting to US $ 2.76 billion. Exim India also has in place an LOC to the Eastern & Southern African Trade & Development Bank (PTA Bank), which is the regional development bank for the COMESA region. Exim Bank has also participated in the equity of Afreximbank, Development Bank of Zambia and West Africa Development Bank and is a member of the Association of African Development Finance Institutions (AADFI).
May 25th,
2010,
Addis Ababa
Credentials to the President of Djibouti, H.E. Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh.
The Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi, who arrived in Ethiopia in January 2010, presented his credentials to the President of Djibouti, H.E. Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh, on April 5, 2010, in Djibouti. The Ambassador also presented the papers in connection with the recall of his predecessor.
The Ambassador of India in Ethiopia is concurrently accredited to Djibouti.
The President of Djibouti welcomed the new Ambassador and assured him of full cooperation of his Government in discharge of his duties and in further strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries which were already diversified and needed to be expanded further. The President of Djibouti expressed his country’s appreciation to the government of India for extending their support in education, capacity building and economic development of the country and said that Djibouti looked to India as a potential partner in the field of health tourism.
Ambassador Bishnoi expressed his honour at being appointed India’s Ambassador to Djibouti and promised to take concerted steps to take the relations between the two countries to new levels of cooperation.
During the course of his stay in Djibouti, the Ambassador also met the Prime Minister of Djibouti, the Speaker of the Djiboutian Parliament, the Foreign Minister and other senior dignitaries of the Government of the Republic of Djibouti.
It may be mentioned that the Ambassador had presented his credentials to the President of Ethiopian on March 16, 2010 in Addis Ababa.
April 7,
2010,
Addis Ababa
First India-Ethiopia Foreign Office Consultations,
30 March 2010, New Delhi
The first India-Ethiopia Foreign Office Consultations were held on 30 March 2010 in New Delhi. The Ethiopian delegation was led by Ambassador Mahadi Ahmed, Director General of the Middle East, Asia and Oceania Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and the Indian delegation was led by Shri Gurjit Singh, Joint Secretary (E&SA), Ministry of External Affairs.
2. Both sides held extensive discussions bilateral issues as well as shared information on the regional and international issues of interest to both the sides.
3. It was decided to hold the first India-Ethiopia Joint Ministerial Commission after the elections and formation of a new Government in Ethiopia later this year. Ethiopian side requested for engagement with India for the training of a large batch of recently-recruited young diplomats. Indian side responded positively and on their advice, the Ethiopian delegation discussed the matter with Dean, Foreign Service Institute. During the meeting in FSI, it was decided to cooperate in the establishment of the new Foreign Affairs Training Institute in Ethiopia.
4. It was also agreed that the Foreign Office Consultations be held at least annually, alternatively in New Delhi and Addis Ababa.
5. Both sides shared information on situation in Somalia, Sudan, Darfur and Eritrea as well as India’s relations with its neighbours. UN reforms and Climate Change, being issues of common interest to India and Ethiopia, were also discussed.
6. Ambassador Mahadi paid a courtesy call on Shri Vivek Katju, Secretary (West). Bilateral relation issues were reviewed and discussed during the meeting. Stressing on the importance of training of young diplomats, as proposed by the Ethiopian side, Secretary (West) promised all possible assistance from Government of India.
7. India and Ethiopia enjoy close and friendly bilateral relations which are diversified and have depth. There is greater understanding in bilateral matters and excellent cooperation in regional and international fora. India-Ethiopia engagement has developed through capacity building programmes, training and sharing of experience and has reached the threshold of high volume of bilateral trade and increased investment by Indian entrepreneurs in Ethiopia. India has also assisted Ethiopia with soft credit lines for helping its sugar industry.
April 1, 2010
Along with Ethio-India Graduates Forum Meeting held on March 26, 2010,
The Embassy of India celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, popularly known as ITEC on the evening of March 26th 2010. The occasion was graced by H.E. Dr. Adhana Haile, State Minister of Education and other dignitaries of Ethiopia. 4th meeting of the Ethio-India Graduates Forum was also held in the Embassy of India premises.
In his opening remarks H.E. Mr. Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi, Ambassador of India mentioned that India is a strong believer in South South Cooperation and that it is India’s belief that there is so much that the developing countries can share with one another since they face similar kinds of challenges in their developmental efforts. Ambassador Bishnoi mentioned that ITEC Programme which was started by India in 1964 and which focuses on capacity building through short and medium term training courses in India and deputation of Indian experts is one of the important pillars of South South Cooperation. ITEC fellowships given to Ethiopia are steadily increasing since whereas the number of fellowships allocated to Ethiopia in 2007 was 35 it has now registered a 150 % increase and has gone up to 90, making Ethiopia number three in Africa with regard to the number of ITEC slots. Ambassador expressed a hope that during his tenure he would endeavour to bring Ethiopia to number one position.
Ambassador Bishnoi while speaking about Ethio-India Graduates Forum said that since its being launched in 2007 it has come a long way while it celebrates its 4th meeting. The Forum consists of Ethiopian nationals who have studied in Indian universities and acquired degrees in various disciplines. The patron of the Forum is H.E. Mr. Berhanu Adello, Head of Prime Minister’s Office and Minister for Cabinet Affairs of the Government of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia who could not be present due to unavoidable circumstances. Ambassador Bishnoi spoke of India’s continued efforts in capacity building of Ethiopia which had started years ago with the arrival of Indian teachers in Ethiopia who made Ethiopia their home. Ambassador particularly mentioned that subsequent to decisions taken at the First ever India African Forum Summit which was held in India in April 2008, the Government of India had doubled the scholarships offered by India under the cultural exchange programme under which 40 Ethiopian scholars would pursue their under-graduate, post-graduate, masters and doctorate degrees from reputed institutions of India. As a result of these scholarships there has been a surge in Ethiopian nationals thronging India for pursuing their higher studies in India. Hundreds of Ethiopian students are currently studying in India, a majority of them on self-financing basis. Efforts are on between some prominent universities and institutions in India and the Ministry of Education of Ethiopia to form partnership and collaborate in various fields. The alumni of Ethio-India Graduates Forum now occupy high positions in Government and private institutions, universities, colleges and the like and are strong pillars of fostering and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Ambassador Bishnoi remarked that due to conducive conditions provided by the Ethiopian Government, more and more investments were pouring into the country making India as one of the largest investors in Ethiopia. Ambassador Bishnoi paid rich tributes to Indian educators who had contributed immensely in bringing about people to people cooperation between the two countries.
H.E. Dr. Adhana Haile in his address expressed his happiness for being provided the opportunity to speak to the alumni of ITEC and Ethio-India Graduates Forum and appreciated the Government of India for its generosity in providing various scholarships to Ethiopian nationals. He also commended the constructive role being played by the Embassy of India led by the new Indian Ambassador in promoting bilateral relations between India and Ethiopia by engaging with various institutions of Ethiopia. He also appreciated the efforts of Indian teachers currently working in various universities of Ethiopia in spreading education in the country which was so essential in the current times. Mr. Adhana said that Ethiopia considered India as a role model for overall development of the country and hoped that these efforts will contribute to greater sharing of ideas and experiences between the two countries. Dr. Adhana spoke about his recent visit to India and the discussions he had with higher learning institutions of India. He said that he was deeply impressed by the progress made by India in the educational sector and which was quite comparable with what other countries were doing.
Some alumni of ITEC and Ethio-India Graduates Forum also used the occasion to share their experiences during their stay in India. A question and answer session was also held where Dr. Adhana and the Ambassador of India responded to questions posed by the audience.
The meeting was attended by the alumni of Ethio-India Graduates Forum, Indian teachers, professors and lectures in various universities/institutions in Addis Ababa, Dean of the Defence Engineering College, Lt. Col. Alemayehu, some African diplomats who are also alumni of the Forum, the Palestinian Ambassador in Ethiopia, Members of Parliament, members of the media and other invited guests.
Addis Ababa,
March 26, 2010
Credentials to the President of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Girma Wolde-Giorgis.
The Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi, who arrived in Ethiopia in January 2010, presented his credentials to the President of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Girma Wolde-Giorgis, on March 16, 2010, in Addis Ababa. The Ambassador also presented the papers in connection with the recall of his predecessor.
The President of Ethiopia welcomed the new Ambassador and assured him of full cooperation of his Government in discharge of his duties and in further strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries which were centuries old and were historical. The President of Ethiopia expressed his country’s appreciation to the government of India for extending their support in education, capacity building and economic development of the country and said that Ethiopia looked to India as a role model in its developmental activities. The President also referred to relations between the two countries in the field of defence and mentioned about the Harar Military Academy which India had founded in 1958.
Ambassador Bishnoi expressed his honour at being appointed India’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and promised to take concerted steps to take the relations between the two countries to new levels of cooperation. Ambassador mentioned about the rising graph of India investments in Ethiopia mostly from the private sector in the fields of agriculture and floriculture and many other fields and said that conducive environment provided by the Government of Ethiopia in doing business in the country as well as political stability and sound macro-economic policies of the Government were the main factors behind attracting investors from India to do business with Ethiopia.
March 16, 2010,
Addis Ababa
Visit of African Union Delegation
March 10-13, 2010 &
Launch of Joint Plan of Action adopted for implementation of Framework of
Cooperation adopted during India-Africa Forum Summit.
A 15-member delegation from the African Union is currently on a visit to India from 10-13 March 2010. The delegation consists of the Members of the Bureau of the Multilateral Affairs Sub Committee of the Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union and is led by the Permanent Representative of Cameroon to the African Union, H.E. Mr. Jacques Alfered Ndoumbe Eboule and includes the Permanent Representatives of Egypt, Sudan, South Africa and Benin. Ambassador John K. Shinkaiye, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission leads the 9-member Commission delegation as part of the AU Team. The visit was to finalize the Plan of Action of the Framework for Cooperation of the India Africa Forum Summit.
2. At a meeting chaired by Shri Vivek Katju, Secretary (West), on 10.3.2010, the Plan of Action was agreed upon and the implementation process of the decisions taken at the India Africa Forum Summit was discussed. The meeting was attended by the AU delegation and the African HOM’s in New Delhi, as well as senior representatives from various Ministries / Departments of Government of India and representatives of the Institutions, which are partners for the implementation of the Plan of Action. During the meeting, Secretary (West) said that the Action Plan released on 10th March, which was a product of the consultative process which has been undertaken between India and the African Union and its member states, is based on the principles enunciated in the Delhi Declaration and the Framework of Cooperation and reflects our joint commitment to work in a full partnership.
3. During the meeting, the African Union delegation conveyed their appreciation for the manner in which India had engaged with them to implement the decisions. The Chief of Staff of the African Union Chairperson said that they appreciate India for believing in this multilateral relationship with Africa and for putting on the table the resources required to implement the commitments it has made. Throughout the process, India has listened carefully to Africa’s views and taken them in full consideration in making its proposals. “Sometimes, the way cooperation is given is better than the content of the cooperation.” He further said that in Africa’s partnership with India, both the way the cooperation has been given and the content have been exemplary.
4. The AU Delegation called on Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for External Affairs on 11.3.2010. In his address, Dr. Tharoor said that the Plan of Action is an ambitious programme of cooperation with the entire African continent. He expressed confidence that concrete results will emanate from it. Dr. Tharoor assured the delegation that India’s commitment to Africa was total and sustained by our understanding of Africa as fellow developing countries. Our process of consultation on a regular basis with them would continue and he emphasized that now that the Plan of Action had been readied for implementation and the deliverables laid out, a follow-up mechanism for its regular monitoring must come into play at the earliest.
5. The African Union delegation told the Hon’ble Minister that they would endeavour to select the countries which would host the 19 institutions offered by India at an early date. They conveyed their heartfelt gratitude for the serious intent shown by India in implementing the decisions of the IAFS. The Permanent Representative of Sudan said that the comprehensive Plan of Action was the most clear and detailed document among their partnerships. Other members of the delegation also conveyed their happiness at the meticulous detail and planning with which the Indian side had undertaken the engagement with the African Union for the implementation of the IAFS decisions.
6. In addition to capacity building programmes in a vide variety of areas, the programme also provides for setting up of several institutions in select African countries which will cater for all the countries in the continent. These institutions include five major institutions viz. (i) India Africa Institute of Foreign Trade, (ii) India Africa Diamond Institute, (iii) India Africa Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, (iv) India Africa Institute of Information Technology, (v) Pan-African Stock Exchange; 10 Vocational Training Centres and five human settlement institutes to support low-cost housing technologies. An important aspect of the capacity building programmes is the offer of 300 scholarships in the field of agricultural education and research over four years.
7. The AU delegation also visited partner institutions like the Telecommunication Consultants India Ltd. (TCIL), the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), Education Consultants India Ltd. (EdCIL), and National University of Education Planning and Administration (NUEPA), and had detailed interaction. They also participated in a discussion with academics and scholars at the Indian Council of World Affairs.
8. The African Heads of Mission in New Delhi were also engaged in the meetings with the African Union delegation. A copy of the Plan of Action of the Framework for Cooperation of the India Africa Forum Summit is enclosed. click here to download
Addis Ababa
March 15, 2010
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for External Affairs of the Government of India visited Addis Ababa from January 27-30, 2010 to attend the 16TH Ordinary Session of the Executive Council Meeting of the African Union at the headquarters of African Union, Addis Ababa..
During his visit Dr. Shashi Tharoor met the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Meles Zenawi, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Jean Ping and also met 15 Foreign Ministers of African countries, namely, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Swaziland, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Chad, Tunisia, Mauritius and Senegal. He also met the Foreign Minister of Serbia, among many other dignitaries and discussed matters of bilateral, continental and international interest.
On January 28, 2010, Dr. Tharoor inaugurated the telemedicine facility of the Pan-African e-network project at the African Union clinic. This project was part of Pan-African e-network project which has so far in its fold 47 of the 53 African countries and has been offered by India. This facility would enable the African Union Clinic to hold consultations with medical experts in India through the medium of satellite. Dr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission joined Dr. Shashi Tharoor in the inauguration of the facility. The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission and other Commissioners of the African Union, along with other dignitaries which also included the new Ambassador-designate of India, the Director General for Africa in the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, H.E. Mr. Gurjit Singh, also attended the event which was widely covered by the media.
Dr. Jean Ping and Dr. Shashi Tharoor interacted live in New Delhi with the Telecommunications Consultants of India, Limited, the implementing agency of the Government of India for this project. Dr. Ping expressed his deep appreciation and happiness at getting this e-connectivity and deeply appreciated Indian Government’s commitment towards Africa as a whole. Dr. Shashi Tharoor said that India felt happy to share its experiences with Africa and reiterated Government of India’s continued engagement with the African continent in the areas of capacity building and development. He said that since the theme of the current AU Summit was “Information and Communication Technologies in Africa : Challenges and Prospects for Development”, the inauguration of the tele-medicine facility was very apt. He said that his participation at the Executive Council meeting was testimony of how much importance India attached to its relations with Africa.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, during his stay in Addis Ababa called on the Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Meles Zenawi and held discussions with him on bilateral matters and other matters of mutual, continental and global interest.. Dr. Tharoor during his call, expressed the condolences of the Government and the people of India on the sad loss of lives in the air crash of the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash in Beirut which killed 90 people on board. Prime Minister Meles expressed his Government’s gratitude for this gesture and said that Ethiopia attached significant importance to its relations with India and looked at India for more and more engagement in all areas of development. Dr. Shashi Tharoor told the Prime Minister that he had come to Ethiopia, not only to attend the AU Summit, but his agenda also included reiterating Government of India’s continued engagement with Ethiopia.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor gave interviews to Walta Information Centre, Ethiopian Television, the “Capital” Weekly of Ethiopia and also gave a special interview to “Meet the Ethiopian Television’s Good Morning Programme. In his interaction with the press, Dr. Tharoor said that though the relations between the two countries were growing satisfactorily, there was still room for doing more and offered Government of India’s full support in this regard.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor also met the Indian Business Forum and a wide cross-section of the Indian community living in Ethiopia before leaving for India on January 30, by Ethiopian Airlines.
Addis Ababa
January 31, 2010
REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONS IN ETHIOPIA 2010
On the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Chancery premises of the Embassy of India on Tuesday, January 26, 2010. The flag-hoisting ceremony was followed by singing of the national anthem of India and a few patriotic songs after which the speech delivered by the President of India on the eve of the Republic Day was read out. The ceremony was attended by the members of the Indian community based in different parts of Ethiopia as well as friends of India.
A grand reception to mark the occasion was organized on Friday, January 22, 2010 also at the Chancery premises of the Embassy. The reception was attended by Members of the Ethiopian Parliament, including the members of the Ethio-India Friendship group also consisting of Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, members of the Indian Community in Ethiopia and other friends of India.
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Republic Day of India, a flag-hoisting ceremony was also organized by the Honorary Consulate of India in Djibouti on Tuesday, January 26, 2010. The ceremony was attended by the members of the Indian community based in Djibouti as well as friends of India.
January 26, 2010
Addis Ababa