New Delhi. The Republic of India and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia marked 70 years of their diplomatic relationship, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the conclusion of the Second Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between the two countries which was held in New Delhi May 9.

The MoU was signed between the Foreign Service Institute of India and the Foreign Service Training Institute of Ethiopia. The JCM was preceded by a meeting of Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) May 8.

The Indian delegation was led by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and the Ethiopian delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Workneh Gebeyehu.

During the JCM, both sides discussed various bilateral, regional and multilateral issues. The discussions focused on building closer cooperation in areas of defence cooperation, Lines of Credit, human resource development, capacity building, trade and investment, cultural exchanges and enhancing people to people contact. India reiterated its commitments towards development partnership with Ethiopia.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest at regional and multilateral levels including cooperation at the United Nations and other international organizations.

Both sides expressed satisfaction on enhanced engagement at all levels between the two countries. The two countries underlined: “India-Ethiopia partnership is underpinned by our shared values and strong economic and commercial partnership. The JCM held has an added significance as we embark on the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relationship with Ethiopia.”