PM Modi accepts Ethiopia’s highest national award from PM Abiy Ahmed

Ethiopia honors PM Modi for improving bilateral relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia,’ from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali in a ceremony held in the Ethiopia state capital, Addis Ababa. The award is in recognition of Prime Minister Modi’s effort to build stronger relations between his country and Ethiopia. It also comes as a result of Prime Minister Modi’s Africa engagement.

According to the Ethiopian government, the award is a gesture of appreciation of Modi’s relentless endeavors that have contributed towards improving ties between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi is the first head of state and government from around the world who has been awarded this prestigious honor, and this is a clear indication that the Ethiopian government values its relationship with India.

While accepting the honour, Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt thanks for the honour bestowed upon him and said that he accepted the honour with humility. The Prime Minister also spoke about the rich history of the Ethiopian land, which boasts of being one of the oldest civilisations in the world.

The prime minister reiterated the historical connections between India and Ethiopia based on trade, people-to-people exchanges, and collaboration on education, health, and capacity building. “Our commitment to support their national priorities and further enhance cooperation on agricultural issues, renewable energy, and technology will continue,” he added.

Most significantly, this gesture is expected to further consolidate the strategic partnership between the two countries. It is also an element of the overall Indian policy focused on reaching out to Africa with the intention of developing ties based on equity, mutualism, and joint progress.