Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which are set to become full members of the Brics economic bloc on January 1, 2024, committed to utilising the platform to enhance their all-round relations and cooperation.
This was announced as the UAE prepared to celebrate its 52nd National Day anniversary, which coincided with COP28, which is being held in the emirate of Dubai.
In his remarks about the two Brics members’ benefits, on the sidelines of the climate change conference, director-general for Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Gebeyehu Ganga, revealed Ethiopia’s keenness to employ the bloc to maintain thriving relations with the UAE.
According to Ganga, the two countries’ accession to the economic bloc offers a great opportunity to both parties to boost relations in social, economic, trade and political spheres.
Ganga said Ethiopia admired and appreciated the UAE’s remarkable achievement and strong bonds between the two nations.
“The UAE National Day marks the historic union of the seven Emirates and the birth of a nation that exemplifies progress, unity, and prosperity,” Ganga said.
The UAE president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, recently visited Ethiopia to strengthen Ethio-UAE bilateral relations.
UAE ambassador to Ethiopia, Mohammed Salem Al Rashidi, said that the two countries’ accession to the Brics family was of paramount importance to boost their relations in social, economic and political spheres.
He indicated that the Ethio-UAE diplomatic relations, which were formalised by his country’s opening of its embassy in Addis Ababa in 2010, had been evolving at bilateral, regional and international levels.
The UAE celebrated its national day on December 2, marking the anniversary of the establishment of the union in 1971 when six emirates became one: Abu Dhabi (capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al-Quwain. In 1972 Ras Al Kaimah joined the federation as well.