In a meeting with Speaker of Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives Tagesse Chafo, held in Tehran on Saturday, Araqchi pointed to Africa’s important position in the foreign policy of Iran and to the historical and friendly relations between Iran and Ethiopia.
He emphasized Iran’s resolve to develop ties with Ethiopia based on mutual interests, particularly through strengthening parliamentary cooperation and parliamentary friendship groups.
The foreign minister also highlighted the strategic importance of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea for regional and global security and sustainable peace. In this context, Araqchi said cooperation among regional countries is essential to help consolidate lasting security and safeguard the interests of all states without foreign interference.
He further described the holding of a new round of Iran-Ethiopia Joint Economic Commission as important for advancing bilateral relations and for familiarizing public and private sectors in both countries with each other’s capacities and capabilities.
Araqchi also announced Iran’s readiness to expand cooperation with Ethiopia in regional and international forums, including the African Union and the BRICS cooperation framework.
For his part, Chafo expressed satisfaction with his visit to Tehran and described Iran and Ethiopia as two countries with ancient historical and civilizational backgrounds and significant potential to broaden relations in various political, cultural, economic, and trade fields.
Referring to 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Ethiopian speaker expressed hope that convening the Joint Economic Commission would lead to further expansion of ties between Tehran and Addis Ababa in different areas, especially economic and trade cooperation.
The two sides also exchanged views on several issues of shared interest at regional and international levels and agreed on the necessity of continuing regular and sustained consultations at political levels, as well as reciprocal visits by senior officials of the two countries.