Addis Ababa: Algeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mohamed Lamin Labas, affirmed the growing strength of the bilateral relationship between the two nations, rooted in diverse areas of cooperation.
In his exclusive interview with ENA, the ambassador highlighted the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Algeria, forged during Algeria’s struggle for independence, which Ethiopia staunchly supported in various ways including political support.
This historical bond has deepened over time, with both countries offering mutual support and collaborating to address shared political challenges, the Ambassador emphasized, adding that the partnership has extended to cultural exchange, exemplified by the numerous Ethiopian students pursuing education in Algeria.
According to the Ambassador, economic cooperation is a key focus, with a joint strategy emphasizing trade, investment, and people-to-people connections.
Recent visits by Algerian pharmaceutical industry delegates underscore the growing interest in investment
opportunities. This group of Algerian delegation, which comprised of well-equipped with international laboratories based in Algiers, is expected to come to Ethiopia and start investment in the sector soon.
Algeria is keen to share its success in the pharmaceutical industry to Ethiopia as the sector contribute a lot in job creation and import substitution, the ambassador said.
He mentioned that the two countries have put in place the mechanisms of cooperation by exchanges of business delegations,’ he pointed out.
Additionally, efforts are underway to bolster agricultural investment and expand air transport to facilitate trade in coffee, flowers, and other products,’ he stated.
Over 20 agreements have been established in various sectors, including trade, investment, and tax avoidance.
He stressed the importance of political commitment to implement these agreements effectively, emphasizing the role of high-level consultations and the joint commission in guiding the partnership.
‘Ethiopia and Algeria also s
hare common ground on international issues, particularly peace, security, and climate change,’ the Ambassador underscored.
He also commended Ethiopia’s reforestation efforts as an exemplary model for other nations.
Reflecting on his four decades in Ethiopia, Ambassador Labas expressed admiration for the country’s remarkable development progress.
It’s worth noting that diplomatic relations between Algeria and Ethiopia were established in the early 1970s.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atske _Selassie bade farewell to Algerian Ambassador to Ethiopia yesterday. On the occasion, Ambassador Taye commended the longstanding and fruitful relations between the two countries and appreciated Labbas’ efforts to boost bilateral ties.
Ambassador Labbas, who served in Ethiopia twice, as first secretary from 1986-1990 and as Ambassador from 2022-2024, expressed delight in witnessing Ethiopia’s development during his tenure.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency