Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Dr. Muktar Kedir Abdu has presented his letter of credence today (August 11) to H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa.
On the occasion, Ambassador Dr. Muktar noted that the historic diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Africa dates back to 1896 when, by virtue of the victory of Adwa, Ethiopia inspired resistance movements all over Africa to fight against colonialism and fascism, and recalled the military training that Ethiopia provided to hundreds of African freedom fighters including Nelson Mandela, in 1962, as a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to the cause of freedom in Africa, in general, and in South Africa, in particular.
The ambassador emphasized that the diplomatic relation and cooperation between Ethiopia and South Africa to have been based on solid foundations of African brotherhood and the spirit of Pan–Africanism.
H.E. Dr. Muktar assured the President that, during his tenure, he would give due emphasis to strengthening the relations and co-operations between the two countries in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, education, technology transfer and, more importantly, people-to-people relations.
H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, on his part, appreciated countries that played a great role supporting South African freedom fighters in their struggle against apartheid and thanked them on behalf of the government and people of South Africa.
H.E. the President further stated that the presence of the Ambassadors and High Commissioners in South Africa would help to strengthen the diplomatic relations and cooperation between South Africa and the countries they represent especially in the areas of trade, investment, climate change, peace, and security.
