Ethiopia and India have officially implemented a mutual visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic passports, effective today. This significant move is aimed at strengthening diplomatic engagement between the two countries by facilitating visa-free travel for eligible diplomatic officials from both nations, thereby easing diplomatic mobility and fostering enhanced bilateral cooperation.

The agreement was formally brought into force through the signing of an Exchange of Diplomatic Notes on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic Passports. During the signing ceremony, Dewano Kedir, Director-General for Middle Eastern, Asian, and Pacific Countries Affairs at Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, remarked that the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ethiopia played a crucial role in elevating bilateral relations to an unprecedented level. He further noted that the visa exemption agreement is one of the key outcomes of the commitments agreed upon by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Prime Minister Modi, with ongoing efforts to implement other joint initiatives.

Kedir characterized the implementation of the agreement as an important milestone that will undoubtedly strengthen diplomatic ties, enhance mobility, and deepen cooperation between Ethiopia and India. He reaffirmed Ethiopia's unwavering commitment to fully implementing the visa exemption arrangement. Highlighting India's global significance, Dewano emphasized that India stands as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, and recognizing that Ethiopia is pursuing a similar growth trajectory, he pointed to abundant opportunities for an even closer partnership between the two nations.

On the Indian side, Ambassador to Ethiopia Anil Kumar Rai confirmed the immediate implementation of the mutual visa exemption agreement. He described this development as a significant moment in Ethiopia-India relations, emphasizing that it will greatly facilitate the movement of diplomatic passport holders, who play pivotal roles as policymakers in both countries. Ambassador Rai also mentioned that during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ethiopia last month, the visa exemption agreement was among several bilateral issues discussed, with both sides expressing keenness for its swift execution.

Ultimately, this agreement is expected to further streamline diplomatic travel, promote more efficient and frequent interactions, and solidify the strategic partnership between Ethiopia and India, reflecting a shared vision for enhanced collaboration across various sectors.