ADDIS ABABA - In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations, the foreign ministers of Ethiopia and Madagascar have engaged in discussions to identify potential areas for cooperation across various fields. This initiative underscores a mutual interest in expanding the collaborative efforts between the two countries.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Taye Atske-Selassie, Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with his Madagascar counterpart, Rasata Rafaravavitafika. The talks explored opportunities for collaboration in tourism, leather production, agriculture, and aviation sectors. Both ministers expressed a commitment to enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation, further enriching the diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Madagascar. Madagascar's Foreign Minister Rasata Rafaravavitafika also extended gratitude towards Ethiopia for the hospitality provided during the discussions.

ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia served as the backdrop for a critical forum on food self-reliance in Africa, coinciding with the 37th Ordinary Session of the African Union's Assembly of Heads of State and Government. The event, themed "Africa Can Be Food Self-Reliant: Climate-Smart Solutions and Collective Action for Food System Transformation," aimed to address the pressing need for continent-wide cooperation to ensure food sovereignty.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, who addressed attendees at the forum, the challenge akin to the historic battle of Adwa now is to achieve food self-sufficiency across Africa through a unified approach. Highlighting the dependency of 90 percent of the continent's agriculture on rainfall, she pointed out the absence of modern agricultural systems and coordination as significant barriers to food security.

The president underscored the adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture, further exacerbated by limited financial resources and other challenges. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, she called on leaders and professionals to recognize the imperative for cooperation to secure the continent's food future. A shared vision, sustainable agricultural strategies, and collaborative efforts are crucial for this endeavor.

President Sahle-Work Zewde cited Ethiopia's initiatives as a testament to what can be achieved with a focus on modernization, integration of climate-smart practices such as the Green Legacy Initiative, and attention to diverse and balanced diets through the 'bounty of basket' initiative. She urged other nations to draw inspiration from Ethiopia's efforts towards food sovereignty and to collaborate for the benefit of the entire continent.

The high-level forum was attended by notable figures including Tunisian Prime Minister Ahmed Hashani and Transitional Government of Chad Prime Minister Success Masra, alongside a host of leaders, ministers, and diplomats from various African countries. President Sahle-Work Zewde's message was clear: unity and learning from past victories like Adwa are essential for Africa to ensure its food sovereignty.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - In a notable event at Unity Park, the First Lady of Ethiopia, Zinash Tayachew, joined by her counterparts from various African nations, visited an exhibition aimed at empowering women economically and enabling them to earn income. The exhibition showcased cultural dresses and other products manufactured exclusively by women.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, which organized the event, Zinash Tayachew expressed on social media the importance of empowering women economically. She highlighted the multifaceted benefits that come from such initiatives, emphasizing the role of economic empowerment in advancing women's status and contributing to broader societal development. The exhibition stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of African nations in promoting gender equality and women's economic participation.