Jerusalem – Ethiopian Foreign Minister, Dr. Tedros Adhanom is on official visit in Israel to discuss bilateral and regional matters. Dr. Tedros spoke with PM Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin. With President Rivlin, Dr. Tedros discussed upholding Israeli investment schemes in the fields of agriculture and agro-processing in Ethiopia. With PM Netanyahu, they talked about enhancing all-rounded partnership of common interest. Dr. Tedros had “very fruitful meeting with PM Benjamin Netanyahu. He pledged his continued commitment to strengthen Ethiopia-Israel partnership in all fronts of our common interest and I reiterated our government's commitment on the same.”
Meeting with PM Netanyahu
Dr. Tedros met with his Israeli counterpart FM Avigdor Lieberman and signed a declaration to boost trade cooperation between the two countries; he also met with opposition leader, Isaac Herzog and associates.
(Above) Dr. Tedros meeting with President Rivlin;(Below) FMs Dr. Tedros and Lieberman signing agreement
(Above) Meeting with Isaac Herzog and colleagues (Ambassador Belaynesh and Ethiopian Ambassador to Israel Mr. Hilawe Yosef attending)
Dr. Tedros also paid a visit to the Yad Vashem memorial museum – the world center for documentation, research, education, and commemoration of the Holocaust. After visiting the Yad Vashem, Dr. Tedros wrote on his Twitter and Facebook accounts: “The world should always remember this evil deed not to be repeated again. Never again!”
(Above) Dr. Tedros visiting the Yad Vashem, accompanied by Ambassador Hilawe and Ambassador Belaynesh
During this visit, Dr. Tedros held a conference with the Ethiopian diaspora and the Beta-Israeli community. Dr. Tedros said: “Very good discussion with Bete-Israel, Ethiopian diaspora community in Jerusalem. Briefed the community the economic, social and political situation in our country. They pledged their continued support to the development efforts of our country.”
Dr. Tedros speaking on the occasion; our Ambassador Belaynesh here on the left
He later stated: “Joined a memorial service organised for our great leader, Meles in Jerusalem organised by Cheryl Halpern, Queen of Sheba Foundation. Glad to award two Bete Israel Children, Abraham (Violin) & Naor (Clarinet) for their outstanding talent in music. The award was organised by the Foundation in memory of Meles.”
As Dr. Tedros’ visit in Israel continues, he paid a visit to MASHAV (Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation) in Tel Aviv. He discussed with Ambassador Gil Haskel, MASHAV Head, about cooperation in Agriculture between Ethiopia and Israel. On his way, Dr. Tedros met with Ethiopian students of Agriculture studying at AICAT (Arava International Center for Agricultural Training). Dr. Tedros said: “The students are very inspired, motivated, and eager to return home to apply what they learned.” He expressed his “humbleness to witness their comments and readiness to contribute to the development of our country.”
(Above and Below) Dr. Tedros visiting ARAVA, MASHAV
With the meeting he held with Israeli businessmen and women, Dr. Tedros briefed them on the various ideal and convenient business atmosphere available if one invests in Ethiopia. They as well discussed the recent Ethio-Israeli Business Forum that took place in Tel Aviv. Dr. Tedros stated: “We expect increased flow of investment from Israel.”
Dr. Tedros' visit also included meeting with Ambassadors of African countries in Israel on different continental issues.
(Credit to all pictures: Wubalem Woldesemayat, Ethiopian MoFA)