The 3rd Joint Ministerial Commission meeting between Rwanda and Ethiopia is underway in Addis Ababa with a view to strengthen bilateral ties and sign new cooperation agreements across various sectors, according to officials.
A statement from the Rwandan Embassy in Ethiopia indicates that the 3rd JMC between the two countries was officially opened on Sunday, February 11, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The 3-day meeting began with a session of experts from the two countries.
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With a focus on fostering shared prosperity and leveraging cooperation, the discussions aim at deepening existing historical ties and paves the way for transformative partnerships, the statement observed.
Central to the proceedings will be the review of the implementation of the resolutions of the 2nd JMC (which was held in 2017 in Kigali), consideration of more areas of cooperation, and the signing of new cooperation agreements.
These agreements span a wide range of fields, including trade, investment, agriculture, defense, education, political and diplomatic cooperation, immigration and tourism, among others, according to the statement.
"These agreements are expected to streamline regulatory frameworks, reduce trade barriers, and create opportunities for businesses to expand their presence in each other's markets,” the statement reads in part.
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By sharing best practices and leveraging each other's expertise, the statement indicated, Rwanda and Ethiopia seek to reaffirm their commitment to building a prosperous future based on mutual cooperation, solidarity, and shared aspirations.
Meanwhile, the statement said that Heads of both delegations for the 3rd JMC commended the positive and vibrant relations between Rwanda and Ethiopia and reiterated the continued unwavering dedication of both countries to bolstering bilateral relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation.
The JMC is a pivotal moment for Rwanda and Ethiopia as leaders from both sides gather to chart the course for enhanced collaboration across various sectors, it pointed out.