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Addis Ababa: In a historic occasion, Ethiopia on Tuesday conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the nation’s highest award, ‘The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia'. The PM is in Ethiopia on the second leg of his three-nation tour.
The Prime Minister was honoured for his exceptional contribution towards strengthening India-Ethiopia partnership and for his visionary leadership as a global statesman, the MEA said in a statement. Thanking the Ethiopian government, PM Modi noted that it was an honour for him to accept the award from one of the most ancient civilisations of the world.
"On this great land of Ethiopia, it is a matter of good fortune for me that I set foot in the country only this afternoon, and from the moment I arrived, I felt warmth and a sense of belonging from the people here" he said. "I’m honoured to be conferred with the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.’ I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India," PM Modi later posted on X.
On the first day of his visit in the country, the PM Modi met his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali and discussed several issues ranging from bilateral to mutual interest between both countries.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia after his two-day Jordan trip. Upon arriving, he was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace before the start of the bilateral talks. The prime minister is currently on a three-nation tour.
“We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties,” the PM said during his bilateral talks with his Ethiopian counterpart.
Thanking Ethiopia for its support for India in the latter’s fight against terrorism, PM Modi said as per PTI, “The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance."
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," PM Modi added.
Speaking further, PM Modi said that both India and Ethiopia shared dialogue and exchange for thousands of years. "Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he noted.
Observing that the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the latter a vital meeting point for African nations for diplomacy, PM Modi further noted, "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member."
Thanking him for the visit, PM Ali added, “We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends."
