By: Yohannes Fentahun
Ethiopia and Japan have marked 70 years of collaborative progress through Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) program at a commemorative event in Addis Ababa.
The event brought together dignitaries from both countries and the United Nations to reflect on shared achievements and chart future collaborations.
Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia, SHIBATA Hironori, opened the event by emphasizing Japan's enduring commitment to providing development assistance globally. “Throughout the years, Japan has consistently provided development assistance to other countries in the pursuit of peace and prosperity for the global community,” Ambassador Shibata stated.
He underscored the Japanese approach, characterized by deep respect for recipient countries' needs and priorities. He further explained that Japan’s development cooperation prioritizes human resource development and high-quality infrastructure development, reflecting the belief that strong human capital underpins lasting national progress.
Ambassador Shibata also noted the long-standing relationship between Japan and Ethiopia, spanning nearly 100 years since the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1930. He recalled the commencement of Japan’s development assistance to Ethiopia in 1967 and the dispatch of Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in 1971, marking significant milestones in the bilateral partnership.
Meles Mekonnen (PhD), State Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture, representing the Ethiopian government, expressed gratitude for Japan’s sustained development cooperation. He highlighted the significant support provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) across various sectors, including agriculture, education, health, and manufacturing.
Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, commended Japan's global efforts in development cooperation, emphasizing the positive impact of its initiatives worldwide.
The event also served to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the dispatch of Japanese volunteers to Ethiopia and the 30th anniversary of the opening of the JICA Ethiopia office, symbolizing the depth and longevity of the partnership between the two nations.
The celebration highlighted the shared achievements and future aspirations of Japan and Ethiopia, promising continued cooperation towards sustainable development in Ethiopia and globally.