Ethiopia and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations during a high-level meeting on November 27, 2024. The discussions focused on peace and development initiatives, emphasizing cooperation in various sectors, including health and security. Both nations acknowledged Ethiopia’s significant role in African peacekeeping and expressed a mutual commitment to expanding collaborative efforts for regional stability.
On November 27, 2024, Ethiopia and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and collaborating on initiatives aimed at regional peace and development. This declaration followed a significant meeting between Ethiopia’s Minister of Peace, Binalf Andualem, and Rwanda’s Minister of Interior, Vincent Biruta, during the Continental Peace Conference held in Addis Ababa.
Minister Andualem highlighted the strong historical ties between Ethiopia and Rwanda, emphasizing their shared goals in securing maritime access for Ethiopia. Both ministers underscored the importance of consolidating peace, security, and sustainable development in their discussions, which also extended to various sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and security. Additionally, Minister Biruta commended Ethiopia’s influential role in peacekeeping across Africa, recognizing its contributions to various missions.
Discussions between the ministers revealed an intent to deepen collaboration specifically in conflict prevention, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. They acknowledged the substantial impact their nations’ peacekeepers have had on fostering peace across the continent. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to expand cooperation and strengthen existing partnerships to promote peace and development throughout Africa. Minister Andualem stated, “Our country is making significant efforts to secure access to the sea, which is a strategic objective that is shared by Rwanda,” indicating an intent to enhance their long-standing diplomatic relationship in trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
Historically, Ethiopia has played a crucial role in supporting Rwanda during its post-genocide recovery in 1994, with notable participation from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in the peacekeeping mission — further solidifying the enduring diplomatic ties between both nations.
The diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Rwanda has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by mutual interests in peace, security, and development. Since the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, Ethiopia has actively engaged in peacekeeping efforts within the region, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility between the two nations. The recent meeting on the sidelines of the Continental Peace Conference indicates a renewed commitment to strengthen these ties, focusing on collaborative strategies that enhance both countries’ roles as peacebuilders on the African continent.
In conclusion, the bilateral meeting between Ethiopia and Rwanda serves as a testament to the enduring relationship between the two nations, focused on peace, development, and mutual cooperation. The ministers emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships across various sectors, including health and security, while recognizing Ethiopia’s significant role in peacekeeping operations in Africa. The shared strategic goals highlight the commitment to working together to achieve peace and development for the continent.
Original Source: www.ena.et
