PM Abiy inaugurates Federal Police Forensic Investigation and Research Center of Excellence

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) inaugurated the Ethiopian Federal Police Forensic Investigation and Research Center of Excellence in Addis Ababa.

Just a year and a half ago, when DNA testing was needed, we had to rely on external resources, the Prime Minister noted on his social media page after inaugurating the center.

“Ethiopia has established an institution capable of addressing DNA-related challenges domestically while also serving neighboring countries,” he said.

The Prime Minister also underscored that this achievement reflects the significant reforms his country has undertaken in the security and safety sector over the years.

The inauguration event was attended by senior government officials, members of the federal police, ambassadors and diplomats of various countries, as well as invited guests.

MFA State Minister confers with Japanese special envoys

Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, conferred with Japan’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Shimizu Shinsuke.

During the meeting, Ambassador Mesganu said the relation Ethiopia has with Japan is of a great importance and he congratulated the envoy for the successful TICAD    forum    in    Japan    and    emphasized    the government’s commitment to TICAD and bilateral engagements, including trade and private sector investment from Japan.

The special envoy, on his part, lauded the successful bilateral meetings of the two countries’ delegations on the margins of TICAD Forum in Japan. The special envoy discussed the situation in Sudan and stressed the need for regional organizations like the AU and IGAD towards finding a lasting political solution.

The two sides further discussed other regional issues of mutual concern.

Addis Ababa successfully hosted 30 int’l conferences in the past quarter

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia disclosed that Ethiopia has conducted effective work in conference diplomacy over the past quarter.

This was stated by Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, during his media briefing this morning on current, regional and global issues to local and Addis-based international correspondents.

The Spokesperson stated that more than 30 international conferences were held in Addis Ababa in the past quarter, explaining that Ethiopia has recently been effective in conference diplomacy.

He said that this quarter witnessed the growing capacity of Addis Ababa City in attracting conference tourism and diplomacy, including the recent “World Without Hunger” conference.

Ambassador Nebiat mentioned that these conferences played a significant role in image building, increasing tourism revenue, and sharing various experiences in one place without wasting time and money.

He stated that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timotheos, participated in the inaugural “Russia-Africa Partnership Forum” in Sochi, Russia, and on the sidelines held bilateral discussions with various counterparts to garner effective contributions that safeguard Ethiopia’s national interests.

Responding to journalists’ questions on the current situation in the Horn of Africa and the surrounding area, the Spokesperson explained that Ethiopia’s pivotal role in reducing the threat of the terrorist group al-Shabaab to the region is well known and understood by the international community.

Ambassador Nebiat said that the crucial operational undertakings aimed at weakening al-Shabaab will continue in any way possible to ensure that it does not pose a threat to our national security and that the victories achieved hitherto are not reversed.

The Spokesperson also stated that as Ethiopia and Somalia are inseparable neighboring countries and Ethiopia will continue to implement its strategic vision in a way that strengthens regional integration in the long run.

Responding to a question regarding Ethiopia and Sudan, he noted that the relationship between the two countries is historical and based on strong brotherhood, and that they will continue to work closely together in a way that focuses on mutual benefit.

World Bank reaffirms commitment to strengthen urban safety net project in Ethiopia

The World Bank Country Director renewed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s Urban Productive Safety Net Project (UPSNP).

World Bank Country Director for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and South Sudan, Maryam Salim along with other delegates from the bank visited some of the key UPSNP initiatives financed by the bank such as school feeding program, Women’s Rehabilitation and Skill Development Center as well as youth apprenticeship programs in Addis Ababa.

The UPSNP initiative benefited over 400,000 people in its first phase of 2016 to 2022 and it has made a significant impact on the community and the environment, it was learned.

Visiting Urban Productive Safety Net Project initiatives, the country director said the visit was aimed at reviewing various urban productivity safety net programs supported by the World Bank focusing on their impact and potential for future engagements.

Salim is also anticipated to witness the Productive Safety Net Program in rural Ethiopia and review its                                                                                   effectiveness.

Moreover, Salim expressed the World Bank’s commitment to continuing its support for such initiatives, particularly job creation for the youth.

“Another reason why we are here looking at how we can continue to support such initiatives going forward. How do we take it to the next level and to really develop jobs for the future? That’s really a critical agenda for us, the World Bank, getting jobs for the people and giving opportunities for young people.”

Addis Ababa, Beijing sign MoU to work in cooperation on security matters

Chief Commissioner of Ethiopian Federal Police Commission, General Demelash Gebre-Michael, and Vice Minister at the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) of the People’s Republic of China, Qi Yanjun, discussed bilateral national issues.

During their discussion, the two sides reminisced their previous agreements which they signed to work closely on various issues, according to the Federal Police.

The discussion also highlighted the fruitful results achieved in the prevention of transnational crime, handover of extradited persons, capacity building and resource support.

Moreover, the Addis Ababa City Administration Police Commission and the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau signed a Memorandum of Understanding under the framework of cooperation between the two national security institutions.

ItwasstatedthattheMoUwillhelpbothsidescooperateonexperienceexchange,capacitybuildingandotherissues.

Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services named as the “Best Cargo Airline-Africa”

Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services, the leading air cargo operator in Africa, has been honored with the “Best Cargo Airline-Africa” award.

In a statement communicated on its social media page, Ethiopian Airlines indicated that Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services has received this prestigious award for the second consecutive year at the Arabian Cargo Awards 2024, in a ceremony held in Dubai, UAE.

Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services was also a finalist in the “Fastest-Growing International Airline” and the “Best Cargo Airline-International” categories at the Arabian Cargo Awards 2024.

The Arabian Cargo Awards serve as a prestigious platform to recognize excellence in the cargo and logistics sector across the Gulf region.