Full Text of Joint Statement Following King Mohammed VI’s Official Visit to Ethiopia
PERSISMA, Addis Ababa – For the past several weeks, the Moroccan monarch has been on a tour of various African countries in an effort to maintain cordial relations and establish further economic partnerships. King Mohamed VI’s visit to Ethiopia, which lasted from November 17 to November 19, was an important one for two countries, both in terms of both economics and politics.
Below is the full text of the joint statement published following the official visit paid by King Mohammed VI to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
“1. At the invitation of His Excellency, Mr Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Majesty, King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco accompanied by a delegation of high ranking Royal officials and members of the Morocco business sector paid a State visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia from 18-19 November 2016.
His Majesty, together with his delegation, has been accorded a warm welcome by the People and Government of Ethiopia since his arrival in Ethiopia.
The visit reflects the bonds of friendship as well as the willingness and the determination of the two countries to further enhance their bilateral relations.
His Excellency Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn and His Majesty, King Mohammed VI held deep and fruitful discussion on different issues of mutual interest of the two countries.
The two leaders expressed their satisfaction on the steps being taken by two sides to nurture and enhance their relation and cooperation; and emphasized on the need to further enhance all rounded cooperation between the two countries.
The two leaders co-chaired the ceremony of signature of cooperation agreements between the two countries, which include agreement on promoting and protection of investment, agreement on avoidance of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion, agreement on agriculture, agreement on promotion of trade, and agreement for cooperation on economic, scientific, technical and culture, agreement on bilateral air service, MoU on water management and irrigation, and MoU on hotel and tourism training.
One of the major events of the state visit, was the signing of a joint development of an integrated fertilizer production plan in Ethiopia with a total capital of 2.5 billion US$ in the first phase. This reflects shared vision of south-south cooperation rooted on both sides, that African natural resources should be harnessed to drive Africa’s development and shared prosperity.
A joint meeting of the Ethio-Morocco business people was also held in the margin of the state visit with a view to exploring the opportunities to business and investment between the two countries. At this occasion, a memorandum of understanding for cooperation signed between the two countries chambers of commerce. The two leaders call the business communities of the two countries to take advantage of the available investment and business opportunities and to play their vital role in further enhancing the relation and cooperation between the two sisterly countries.
The two leaders recall the establishment of the joint Ministerial Commission for the coordination and follow up of the implementation of cooperation between the two countries, and gave directions and guidance to further expand the relation and cooperation between the two countries by exploring new areas where the two sides can establish mutually beneficial cooperation.
His majesty King Mohammed VI hailed the fundamental role played by Ethiopia within the framework of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and its commitment to peace, stability and integration in the sub region and in Africa as a whole.
H.E Mr Hailemariam Dessalegn praised the commitment and contribution of Morocco in bringing peace, stability and development of Africa. He also congratulated His Majesty the King Mohammed VI for his vision aiming at the reinforcement of South-South and inter-African cooperation, and hailed his action to ensure prosperity for the human capital of Africa.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI welcomed the recent opening of the Ethiopian Resident Embassy in Rabat and the appointment of an Ambassador as Head of this Diplomatic Mission.
The two sides also exchanged views on current regional, political and security issues in different parts of Africa. In this regard, both sides agreed that states must give priority to resolve issues through peaceful means.
Both parties commended the contribution of Morocco and Ethiopian peacekeepers in maintaining peace and stability and their role in the continent.
His Majesty the King congratulated H.E Mr Haile Mariam Dessalegn for the election of Ethiopia as a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and commended its commitment to advocate the interests of African countries and to promote dialogue for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promote sustainable development and to challenge climate change. In this respect, H.E Mr Haile Mariam Dessalegnpaid tribute to the leadership of the Kingdom of Morocco as host country of the COP22 and to its pledging role for Africa causes in this important event.
Both leaders reiterated their firm commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to put unreserved efforts in fighting transnational crimes.
Both leaders agreed to coordinate in various regional and international fora to advocate and enhance regional stability, prevent and contain armed conflicts, combat terrorism and enhance the culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
His Excellency, Haile Mariam Dessalegnpaid expressed Ethiopia’s firm commitment towards the full realization of the values and principles of the African Union and, in this regard, supported the decision of Morocco to rejoin the African Union as early as the next AU Summit.
The visit was held in a cordial atmosphere which reflects the desire of the two countries to further enhance their bilateral relations.
His Majesty, King Mohammed VI expressed his gratitude to the Government and the people of Ethiopia for the warm hospitality extended to himself as well his delegation since their arrival. His Majesty, King Mohammed VI extended an invitation to His Excellency Prime Minister Haile Mariam Dessalegnpaid to pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco at a mutually convenient time. The invitation was accepted with pleasure.”
