Addis Ababa: As Ethiopia is a gateway to Africa and Armenia is keen on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Ethiopia, Armenia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Sahak Sargsyan stated. Speaking with ENA, Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between Armenia and Ethiopia.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ambassador Sargsyan highlighted the significance of Ethiopia as the host country of the African Union and the only location of Armenia’s embassy in sub-Saharan Africa. The ambassador noted that the Armenian-Ethiopian relationship is rooted in ancient Christian civilizations and has been reinforced through 30 years of modern diplomatic relations.
The Armenian embassy in Ethiopia, established five years ago, marks Armenia’s singular diplomatic mission in the region. Ambassador Sargsyan cited recent discussions with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, focusing on identifying specific areas for potential cooperation, including women’s rights and empowerment, which are priorities for both governments.
Armenia is also interested in collaborating with Ethiopia on establishing STEM educational centers, a move aimed at benefiting both Ethiopia and other African nations. The ambassador stressed the importance of education as a key instrument for the young population of Africa, asserting its importance for any country, nation, or society.
Ambassador Sargsyan acknowledged Ethiopia’s efforts in transforming Addis Ababa into a modern city while maintaining its cultural heritage, citing the Armenian Church in the city as a symbol of shared heritage. Efforts are being made in collaboration with the city administration to preserve this cultural legacy.
The ambassador expressed optimism about the potential for Armenia-Ethiopia relations to evolve further, highlighting the opportunities for collaboration in various fields and noting Ethiopia’s strategic position as a gateway to the rest of Africa.