Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a visa waiver agreement for
diplomatic and official passport holders, the State House said this
morning.
The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on
Cooperation in the field of defence.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and Prime
Minister Abiy Ahmed witnessed the signing of the agreement on
Tuesday in Addis Ababa.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, signed for
Nigeria, while Gedu Andargachew signed for his own country.
The Presidency in a statement by Buhari’s media aide, Mr Garba
Shehu, said while meeting with the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Buhari
had discussed how to explore new areas of collaboration to further
enhance and expand Nigeria-Ethiopia bilateral cooperation for the
mutual benefits of the two countries.
The visa waiver agreement is expected to ease travels by
officials and contribute to further strengthening of bilateral
relations.
On the other hand, the “MoU on defence cooperation is important
to both countries in the coordination of efforts in the fight
against terrorism and securing peace and stability in their
respective sub-regions, as well as on the continent of Africa”, it
explained.
It added that the MoU would enhance bilateral military
cooperation in the areas of training and education, technical
assistance, exchange of visits and defence technology transfer.
It also entails cooperation in peace support operation issues
within the framework of the respective laws of the Parties and on a
reciprocal basis.
Both sides agreed to swiftly conclude negotiations on the
revised Bilateral Air Services Agreement and the MoU on cultural
cooperation.
The consummation of these two agreements will provide veritable
platforms for deepening existing air transport services, tourism
and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
President Buhari expressed gratitude to the Government and
People of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia for the warm and
generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the
visit.
He further extended an invitation to Prime Minister Ahmed to pay
a reciprocal State Visit to Nigeria on mutually convenient
dates.
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