Day: May 26, 2023

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New Horizon E. P Educational Centre of the Blind receives support

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church’s Good Shepherd Congregation at Lashibi in the Greater Accra region has presented some items to the New Horizon E. P Educational Centre of the Blind in Ho, in the Volta region.

The items, which included bags of rice, gallons of cooking oil, milk, canned fish, biscuits, Milo, sanitary pads, sanitary pads, toilet tissue, toilet roll, detergents and school bags, are aimed to put smiles on the faces of the pupils at the Centre.

The donation was made during the 5th Anniversary of the Centre which was under the theme: ‘Five Years of Using Innovation and Technology in Promoting Inclusive Education for Learners with Visual Impairment; Our Success, Challenges, and the Way Forward.’

Mr Gershon Breni who is the Catechist of the Lashibi Good Shepherd Congregation, speaking to Ghana News Agency said the items were donations from members of the Church to show love to the learners and to encourage them.

He said the donation forms part of the Church’s corporate social responsibility to the less privileged in society and also as one of the activities marking the Congregation’s 25th anniversary slated for November this year.

Mr Breni said. though the Church, which is the body of Christ was deeply involved in societal development and transformation, a lot more had to be done to support people with disabilities to explore their potential.

The Catechist commended the director and management of the Centre for their commitment and efforts at helping to better the lives of children with visual impairment in the region and beyond.

He charged the management of the Centre to ensure that the items were properly maintained and used for their intended purpose to better the lives of the children.

Presbyter Bettina Hewlett-Bogart of the Good Shepherd Congregation asked parents of children with disabilities to seek opportunities for their children to achieve their dreams.

She appealed to parents of children with disabilities to stop hiding them and bring them to the Centre to receive training that would enable them to navigate life with ease.

The Presbyter called on all including the media to come on board to create an enabling environment for people with disabilities to attain greater heights to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

The West Volta Presbyterian Women Fellowship of the E.P. Church also donated similar items to the Centre to support the upkeep of the children.

Reverend Mrs Nieem Adiepena, Board Chairperson for New Horizon Foundation of the Blind thanked the donors and assured them that the items would be used to improve the lives of the learners.

She mentioned feeding, maintenance, infrastructure and means of transport for the children for medical checkups as major challenges facing the Centre and appealed for support from all.

Rev. Mrs Adiepena urged the Ghana Education Service to liaise with the Ministry of Health to have annual eye screening for children to reduce the incidence of visual impairment in the country.

She also called for mothers of children with visual impairment to be economically empowered to enable them to support their children.

Madam Mildred Abena Sakitey, Member of the Event Fundraising Committee of the Lashibi Good Shepherd Congregation thanked the members of the congregation for their generosity and appealed the Church to continue supporting the vulnerable.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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S.Korea Keen to Strengthen Trade, Dev’t Ties with Ethiopia: Ambassador Seokhee

South Korea has been working to further strengthen its exiting development and trade relations with Ethiopia, Ambassador of South Korea in Ethiopia, Kang Seokhee said.

South Korean embassy in Addis Ababa has today announced a logo to depict the 60th anniversary of the commencement of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Korea.

During the occasion, Ambassador Kang Seokhee said the existing historical and diplomatic relations between the two countries has still been sustained.

According to the ambassador, the ties, that had been initiated even before the official commencement of the diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Korea, has now spanned more than 70 years.

The sacrifices that Ethiopia had made to the peace and stability of South Korea during the Korean War by sending more than 6,000 soldiers has a great contribution to the current economy development in South Korea, he added.

South Korea has been enjoying bilateral and development cooperation with Ethiopia over the last 60 years, the ambassador indicated.

“South Korea has the largest development cooperation projects in Ethiopia. Some 100 million USD worth of projects are being implemented in Ethiopia annually, which is the largest in Africa. We hope our friend Ethiopia will grow economically and socially.”

The Ambassador stressed the need to identify future vital areas of cooperation that should be implemented by the two countries as they celebrate the 60th anniversary their diplomatic relations.

Ambassador Seokhee pointed out that the exchange of trade is crucial to help the efforts being carried out in Ethiopia to ensure sustainable development.

The 60th anniversary of Ethiopia and South Korea will be celebrated with various programs including photo exhibition and exchange of experiences.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Malawi Keen to Share Experience of Ethiopia in Energy Sector, Boost Trade Ties

Malawi wants to share the experience of Ethiopia in the energy sector and strengthen trade relations, Charge d’Affaires Diana Jere said.

Malawi’s Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy in Ethiopia, Diana Nkomba Jere said the two countries really need to strengthen their bilateral relations in many fields so that both can benefit.

We need to strengthen trade between Malawi and Ethiopia because Ethiopia is a big and larger economy, she added.

In Malawi, “we are struggling with energy issue, and we might get some help and guidance and direction from Ethiopia. We do need to boost our economy through trade and energy.”

According to her, the two countries also need to find ways of engaging each other in bilateral issues.

For example, the issue of free movement of people and people getting across Malawi without permission to go there.

As a government, we need to work together to ensure that these issues are resolved amicably and find ways of making sure that our people are interacting at equal basis, she elaborated.

In this regard, the Charge d’Affaires said that the African Continental Free Trade Area is important because if we put a lot of restrictions in a way people move, that would be like a shortcoming to free trade.

Therefore, we need people to learn from each other, teach each other and benefit from each other countries skills and knowledge so that the two countries can benefit, she stated.

“Africa is blessed in a way that we have different economies. There are some countries who are doing very well and those can teach the other countries. Because if one country is remaining behind, it means the other cannot progress very well. So we need to find a way of balancing the two.”

Jere further said that as Africa we are saying that we want Africa to be in this way. “One thing that I want to agree with the 2063 Agenda is that we want an Africa that is working together with less conflict and respect each other.”

Official documents show that Ethiopia and Malawi had diplomatic relations as far back as the 1960s and the two countries have been working very closely together in various areas.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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IGAD to Continue Working Towards Inclusive Sudanese-led, Sudanese-owned Long-lasting Peace: Spokesperson

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development will continue working with Sudanese stakeholders towards an “inclusive Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned sustainable and long-lasting peace”, IGAD Executive Secretary Spokesperson Nuur Mohamud Sheekh said.

The spokesperson told the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) that IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu has been actively involved in promoting peace and stability in the country.

IGAD was the first multilateral organization to convene and engage with the parties, he noted.

The IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government convened at the request of Workneh on the 16th of April and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged the parties to engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The assembly appointed three sitting heads of state to lead the mediation effort, Sheekh said, adding that “this is unprecedented in mediation diplomacy.”

Moreover, the spokesmen stated that IGAD is seized with the situation and monitoring the situation in Sudan closely.

According to him, the authority is engaging with other multilateral organizations and applying the necessary diplomatic channels to engage with external actors and promote peaceful solutions to secure a sustainable ceasefire and cessation of hostilities as a matter of priority.

He further pointed out that IGAD will continue working with Sudanese stakeholders towards an inclusive Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned sustainable and long-lasting peace.

IGAD’s main objective is to promote regional cooperation and integration in various areas, including peace and security, economic development, and environmental sustainability, the spokesperson underscored.

Above all, IGAD is working with its member states by developing frameworks to prevent conflicts in the region.

“These include supporting democratic and inclusive governance, promoting economic development and regional integration, and strengthening the capacity of national and regional institutions to prevent and manage conflicts.”

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Chinese Vice President Meets Ethiopian Deputy PM, Minister of Foreign Affairs

A Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen in Beijing on Friday.

Noting that China and Ethiopia are comprehensive strategic partners of cooperation, Han expressed appreciation to Ethiopia for resolutely supporting China in safeguarding core interests.

China also firmly supports Ethiopia in consolidating unity and peace and realizing economic recovery, Han said, according to Xinhua.

The Vise President has also stated that China stands ready to work with Ethiopia to jointly build a Belt and Road of high quality, expand practical cooperation, and promote people-to-people exchanges.

Demeke expressed his appreciation for China’s strong support for Ethiopia in restoring peace and responding to challenges, adding that Ethiopia is willing to actively participate in the implementation of China’s important initiatives.

Ethiopia regards China as an important partner in achieving its independent development goals, hopes to continue to receive China’s support in areas including post-war reconstruction and economic development, and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Ethiopia, Demeke said.\

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen is in Beijing on an official visit to China.

The visit of Ethiopian government high level delegation by Demeke is to consult with the Chinese authorities on how to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership between the two countries.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Somali Foreign Minister Holds an Official Meeting with Russian Counterpart in Moscow

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E Abshir Omar Jama, embarked on an official visit to Moscow, the capital city of Russia Today. He held a significant meeting with his Russian counterpart, Mr. Sergey Lavrov, to discuss bilateral relations and explore avenues for further cooperation.

The discussions between Minister Abshir and the Russian Foreign Minister revolved around strengthening the existing ties between Somalia and Russia, as well as identifying opportunities for mutual growth and development.

During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the significance of the partnership between the two nations, emphasizing the extensive cooperation and support Russia has provided to Somalia, particularly in bolstering the country’s security forces, including its Navy.

‘We had a fruitful discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs on mutual interests and ways to further strengthen cooperation, coordination, and joint efforts. Somalia and Russia have a longstanding relationship, and Russia has been a valuable ally in various aspects, notably in the development of our security forces, including the Navy,’ stated Minister Jama.

Sergey Lavrov said that Russia is prepared to provide military equipment to Somalia’s army in their fight against terrorism.

Both parties acknowledged the robust and longstanding diplomatic ties between Somalia and Russia, recognizing the potential for increased collaboration across multiple sectors. They expressed their commitment to fostering closer relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation to promote shared interests and regional stability.

The meeting in Moscow highlights the importance Somalia places on its relationship with Russia and signifies the desire to deepen diplomatic engagements and strategic partnerships. The discussions held are expected to lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, security, and cultural exchange.

As the Federal Government of Somalia continues to prioritize its engagement with the international community, this visit to Russia is seen as a crucial step in furthering diplomatic efforts and expanding the scope of cooperation between the two nations.

Both Somalia and Russia recognize the potential for extensive collaboration and are committed to building upon their existing relationship. The meeting between the Foreign Ministers is expected to pave the way for future exchanges and initiatives that will contribute to the progress and prosperity of both countries.

The visit of Minister Abshir Omar Jama to Moscow marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between Somalia and Russia and underscores the commitment to strengthening relations for the benefit of both nations and the wider region.

Source: Somali National News Agency

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EU releases EUR 20.5 million in budget support to Somalia

The European Union (EU) has approved a EUR 20.5 million budget support payment to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), under the EU’s Somalia State and Resilience Building Contract and Support to Debt Relief Action (SRBC). This coincides with the FGS and EU launching the Joint Operational Roadmap for a renewed engagement between the EU and Somalia, which outlines joint priorities for the next two years.

With this disbursement, the EU supports the FGS to implement its national development and stabilisation plan and remain on track with the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) process. The EU Ambassador to Somalia, Ms. Tiina Intelmann, noted: ‘With HIPC completion point in sight, Somalia will soon reach a historical milestone, which will bring new opportunities but also challenges. Increasing domestic resource mobilisation and further improving financial governance are absolutely critical to advance the economic reform agenda and further the state-building of Somalia. The EU looks forward to continue supporting and working closely with Somalia to tackle these challenges to ensure that more and better services are delivered to Somali citizens.’

H.E. Dr. Elmi Mahamoud Nur, Minister of Finance of the FGS, stated: ‘the EU budget support is an invaluable source of assistance to ensure our government strengthens the ongoing reforms and delivers basic public services to the people’.

Cumulatively, under the SRBC, a total amount of EUR 82.9 million has been released since 2018 as budget support to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). The EU budget support operation has assisted the Federal Republic of Somalia to ensure the delivery of core state functions, underpin macroeconomic stabilisation measures and, with the onset of Covid-19 and other concurrent crises, prevent a serious deterioration of the economic and social situation.

Source: Somali National News Agency

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Uganda army probes attack on its ATMIS base in Bulo Marer

Ugandan military says it is investigating an attack on African Union military base manned by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Bula Marer in Somalia on Friday Morning.

UPDF Spokesperson Flex Kuleyigye told Nation that the attack was carried out by ‘foreign insurgents’ without giving further details.

He said they were ‘cross-checking information the information ‘ with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) headquarters before issuing a statement.

Reports indicate that attackers, suspected to be Al-Shabaab militants, attempted to storm the base located some 110 kilometers south of Mogadishu before a series of explosions rent for air.e.

There were no immediate reports on casualties but local sources said there was a heavy presence of militants in Bula Marer town.

Source: Somali National News Agency