Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, and a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on Cooperation in the field of Defence.
President Muhammadu Buhari and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed witnessed the signing of the agreement in Addis Ababa by their Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and Gedu Andargachew, during the State Visit of the Nigerian leader.
Earlier, while meeting with the Ethiopian Prime Minister, President 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.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the visa waiver agreement is expected to ease travels by officials and contribute to further strengthening of bilateral relations.
The Memorandum of Understanding 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.
The MoU will also enhance bilateral military cooperation in the areas of training and education, technical assistance, exchange of visits and defence technology transfer.
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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.
Meanwhile, President Buhari has declared that robust cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia would provide a strong pillar for African integration.
He noted that this would give concrete effect to the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
Speaking at a State Dinner in his honour Tuesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the President said as the two most populous countries on the continent, Nigeria and Ethiopia shared similar challenges, stressing that it has become imperative for both countries to strengthen and expand cooperation at all levels and in all areas.
The Nigerian leader said his State Visit to Ethiopia, fondly called the Cradle of Humanity, focused on how to further boost relations and explore new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
President Buhari also extolled his host for bringing transformation to the country, describing his work as that of a visionary leader.
The Nigerian leader also used the occasion to congratulate Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed again on the richly deserved Nobel Peace Prize.
In his remarks, the Ethiopian Prime Minister described President Buhari’s visit as historic, noting that it represents a new height in the historical relationship between the two countries.
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Ahmed expressed the readiness of Ethiopia to exchange lessons with Nigeria on asset recovery and repatriation of stolen funds, given Nigeria’s success in the area and the fight against corruption.
The Prime Minister also called for the strengthening of the roles of G-4 countries namely Nigeria, Ethiopia, Algeria and South Africa, in leading the continent politically and economically, thereby providing peace, prosperity and stability to their respective countries and the continent.
