Your Excellency, Mr. Agostino Palese, Ambassador of Italy to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,
Excellencies, Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the people and Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, First and foremost, I would like to seize this opportunity to congratulate the People and Government of Italyon this great occasion of the 77th Anniversary of the Italian Republic.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ethiopia and Italy have enjoyed longstanding historical diplomatic relations. Italy was the first country to open an Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1889. Ethiopia on its part opened its Embassy in 1952. Ethiopia and Italy enjoyed fraternal and excellent bilateral relations. We have cooperated in various multilateral forums and on several agendas of mutual concerns and interests.
The diplomatic relations between our two countries is based on mutual trust,respect and it is multifaceted in its nature. We share common views on various regional and international issues.
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
The Government of Ethiopia highly appreciates the Government of Italy for its unreserved support to Ethiopia during the recent difficult times.
When our sovereignty was challenged by the internal conflict, the Government of Italy stood with the people and Government of Ethiopia and we are very grateful for that. Italy has longstanding attachment and connection with horn of Africa, helped to understand the complex nature of the region to take balanced and reasonable positions on peace and security issues in the region.
Italy and Ethiopia have signed more than 30 agreements to cooperate in various sectors.
Our trade and investment cooperation is strengthening. From time to time we have also good people to people and cultural relation. However, we have not yet fully utilized the existing potentials. Our economic cooperation is not yet fully developed in line with our close bilateral relations. It is my sincere belief that our business people will work closely and develop the business relationship into the next level.
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
This year we had high-level exchange of visits between Ethiopia and Italy. H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed visited Italy in February 2023, and H.E. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, made the return visit to Ethiopia in April 2023. During these visits, the two leaders held fruitful discussions on bilateral, regional, and multilateral areas. I believe the visits elevated the relationship of the two countries to an even higher level.
Ethiopia is committed to implement the vision set by the two leaders.
Finally, I would like to reiterate the commitment of the Government of Ethiopia to further strengthen its bilateral relation and cooperation in various sectors with the Republic of Italy. Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to say Happy Republic Day.
Long Live the Bilateral Friendly Relation between Ethiopia and Italy. I Thank you!
