Ethiopia and Russia sign agreement on cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy

The two countries signed the agreement on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit in the Russian resort city of Sochi.

The document creates a legal basis for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including Russia’s assistance in the establishment and development of Ethiopia’s nuclear infrastructure facilities, nuclear and radiation security regulations and physical protection of nuclear materials, radiation sources and nuclear storage sites.

The agreement also provides for cooperation in accounting for and control of nuclear materials, radioactive substances and waste, basic and applied research related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, production of radioisotopes and their use in industries, medicine and agriculture, as well as cooperation in the use of radiation technologies and nuclear medicine and nuclear personnel training.

Russia’s Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation pointed out that the agreement would pave the way for dialogue in the nuclear industry, as well as for the implementation of specific projects. A joint coordination committee will be set up to facilitate the two countries’ nuclear cooperation.

Ethiopia and Russia will particularly collaborate in research, expert exchange, the organization of seminars and conferences, and scientific information exchange.

The agreement will also make it possible for the parties to consider the possibility of constructing a nuclear research center in Ethiopia.

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Russia–Africa Summit kicks off today

The Russia–Africa Summit kicked off in Sochi at the Sirius Park of Science and Art.

The two-day event will be co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President and Chairperson of the African Union Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed arrived in Sochi yesterday to take part in the summit.

The Russia–Africa Summit is the first event of its kind in the history of Russian-African relations to which the head of every African state and the leaders of major regional associations and organizations have been invited.

The Summit plenary sessions will look to discuss a wide range of issues on the international agenda and to compare views on pressing issues of vital interest to Russia and Africa.

The Summit will focus particular attention on actual and potential relations between Russia and the nations of Africa, the development of interaction in the political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural fields among others with an emphasis on finding ways to accelerate and develop the entire range of Russian-African cooperation in a systematic way.

Plans call for an in-depth exchange of views on the development of coordinated measures to counter terrorism, cross-border crime, and other challenges and threats to regional and global security.
A joint document will be adopted following the conclusion of the Summit.

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PM Abiy leaves for Moscow to attend Russia-Africa forum

The forum will be chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

The event will gather Russian and African officials along with business leaders to discuss and sign trade, economic, and investment agreements.

On the sidelines of the forum, Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed is expected to hold talks with Egyptian President on issues regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

 

The Ethiopia Chapter of the African Women Leadership Network (AWLN) is launched in Addis Ababa

The Ethiopia Chapter of the African Women Leadership Network (AWLN) was launched in Addis Ababa.

The launch event held at the Sheraton Addis Hotel was attended by various high-level participants such as H.E. President Sahle-Work Zewde and Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General.

H.E. President Sahle-Work said in her remarks stated that it is important for women in leadership to network and share their experiences.

She further highlighted the importance of governmental and non-governmental organizations working together to guarantee women’s overall participation and mentoring of the coming generations of women.

 

H.E. Hirut delivers Premier’s special message to Uganda’s President

Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs Hirut Zemene has delivered a special message from Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed to Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.

H.E. Hirut and President Museveni also discussed matters of mutual importance between Ethiopia and Uganda as well regional issues, according to KMA News Agency.

Uganda’s State Minister for International Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, among others, attended the meeting.

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Security Council members hold separate meetings with S Sudan President and opposition leader

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members held separate meetings with South Sudan President Salva Kiir and the opposition groups in Juba yesterday.

They discussed the progress of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, including the challenges in the implementation of the peace agreement.

After the discussion they came to the conclusion that the formation of the Unity Government by November 12 would address some challenges that South Sudan is facing.

The Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity must be formed on the 12th of November as agreed by the signatories to the agreement, according to South Sudan Presidential Press Unit

The opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar singled out some major obstacles in the peace accord that would not support or encourage the formation of the Unity Government on time.

However, the UN Security Council Members headed by Ambassador Jerry Matthews Matjila told both the Government and the opposition groups not to extend the formation of the Government anymore.

Ambassador Jerry Matthews added that UN Security Council Members are ready to offer any assistance and demands that would expedite the formation of the Unity Government on time.

H.E. Hon. Tagesse Chafo holds discussion with Managing Director for Africa at the EEAS, Mr. Koen Vervaeke

The Speaker of the Ethiopian House of Peoples Representatives, H.E. Hon. Tagesse Chafo, met this afternoon with Managing Director for Africa at the EEAS, Mr. Koen Vervaeke, at the latter’s request. Discussions focused on preparations underway for the upcoming elections in Ethiopia, EU support to make the elections achieve their goals of being fair, free, transparent and credible, specific support required from NEBE, challenges in adhering to the timeline of the elections, political party campaigning, possibilities for an EU election observation mission, the on-going process of unifying the EPRDF into one national party, the Sidama referendum, etc on 18 October 2019 in Brussels, Belgium.

Ethiopian delegation meets with H.E. Hon. Carlos Zorrinho

Ethiopian delegation met with H.E. Hon. Carlos Zorrinho, Co-Chair of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. They discussed bilateral issues pertaining to parliamentary relations, EU-Ethiopia relations in all aspects, internal developments in Ethiopia, reform program in Ethiopia, touching upon the on-going privatization processes of State owned companies, regional developments, etc. Mr. Zorrinho, starting the meeting once again congratulated the delegation on the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to PM Abiy Ahmed on 17 October 2019 in Brussels.