Iran, Ethiopia aim to remove cooperation barriers for private sector
The speakers of Iran’s Parliament and Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives emphasized enhancing economic, political, and parliamentary cooperation during a bilateral meeting on Friday as they agreed to address obstacles facing private sector activities and revive a joint economic commission after a decade-long hiatus.
Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, Iran’s Parliament speaker, met with Tagesse Chafo, his Ethiopian counterpart, during an official visit to Ethiopia aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, IRNA reported.
Qalibaf highlighted the importance of establishing an Ethiopian embassy in Tehran, calling it a crucial step toward deepening economic and political relations.
He noted that global and regional developments have significant and rapid impacts on international relations, making closer ties essential.
The Iranian official also mentioned the recent release of four Ethiopian sailors from Iranian prisons, attributing it to internal efforts within Iran.
He suggested that the presence of an Ethiopian embassy in Tehran could expedite such resolutions in the future.
Qalibaf praised Ethiopia’s strategic role in East Africa, particularly in ensuring regional security and stability and reiterated Iran’s commitment to expanding relations with African nations, especially Ethiopia, given their shared cultural and historical ties.
Reviving joint economic commission
Qalibaf pointed out that Ethiopia’s recent economic growth and progress toward sustainable development make it a promising partner for Iran. However, he criticized that the joint economic commission between the two countries has not convened in over a decade, hindering economic collaboration.
One of the key goals of his visit, Qalibaf said, is to revive this commission. He noted that Iran’s Vice Presidency for Science and Technology will oversee the commission’s activities.
The Iranian Parliament speaker also highlighted potential areas of cooperation, including technology-based industries, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and medical equipment. He proposed establishing direct flights between Tehran and Addis Ababa to facilitate trade and tourism.
Addressing economic challenges
Qalibaf acknowledged challenges faced by Iranian businesses in East Africa, including tax issues, currency exchange, banking communications, and transportation.
He called for resolving these barriers to create a more favorable environment for economic cooperation.
The official also suggested leveraging the BRICS alliance to address banking challenges and strengthen financial ties between the two countries.
Ethiopia’s perspective
Tagesse Chafo welcomed Qalibaf and his delegation, emphasizing the potential for parliamentary relations to boost trade and economic ties.
He described Ethiopia as a growing economy with ample opportunities for Iranian investors and businesses.
Chafo expressed Ethiopia’s interest in reviving the joint economic commission and pledged to pursue the matter seriously.
He noted that Qalibaf’s visit marks the first high-level Iranian delegation to Ethiopia in four decades, calling it a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
The Ethiopian official also thanked Iran for releasing the four sailors and expressed hope for the swift resolution of similar cases.
He praised Iran’s foreign policy, which emphasizes mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs, and expressed readiness to collaborate with Iran in international organizations such as BRICS and the Human Rights Commission.
Symbolic gestures of friendship
Following their meeting, Qalibaf and Chafo signed a guestbook at the Ethiopian Parliament, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening friendly relations.
The two officials also planted two pine trees in the parliament courtyard, symbolizing the enduring friendship and cooperation between Iran and Ethiopia.
The visit underscores both nations’ efforts to deepen ties and explore new avenues for collaboration in economic, political, and international arenas.