India, Ethiopia vow to strengthen defence, counter terror cooperation

India and Ethiopia today vowed to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as defence, counter terrorism, and trade and investment during the second Joint Committee Meeting between the two countries.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj led the Indian delegation in talks here with the Ethiopian side that was headed by her counterpart Workneh Gebeyehu.

The two sides exchanged views on strengthening relations in areas such as counter terrorism, trade and investment, development partnership, capacity building, science and technology, and culture, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

"Building upon a robust & strong partnership underpinned by shared values & principles of South-South cooperation, EAM @SushmaSwaraj welcomed Foreign Minister of Ethiopia Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu for 2nd Joint Committee Meeting. Our recorded historical linkages go back to 2000 years," he tweeted.

During the Joint Committee Meeting (JCM), both sides discussed various bilateral, regional and multilateral issues, the MEA said in a statement.

The discussions focused on building closer cooperation in areas of defence cooperation, lines of credit, human resource development, capacity building, trade and investment, cultural exchanges and enhancing people to people contact, the statement said.

India reiterated its commitment towards developmental partnership with Ethiopia.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest at regional and multilateral levels including cooperation at the UN and other international organisations, the MEA said.

An MoU between the Foreign Service Institute of India and the Foreign Service Training Institute of Ethiopia was also signed after the conclusion of the meeting, it said.

The JCM was preceded by a meeting of senior officials' meeting yesterday.

Both sides expressed satisfaction on enhanced engagement at all levels between the two countries. They underlined that the India-Ethiopia partnership is underpinned by shared values and strong economic and commercial relations, it said.