Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa covering President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. government, UN, IMF, World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington and New York.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has concluded his first state visit to South Africa with a raft of benefits to show for the trip.
In a communique sent to TODAY NEWS AFRICA in Washington DC jointly signed by Ahmed Ali and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, both leaders lauded the visit and announced series of benefits, including a new visa waiver for diplomats from both countries.
The communique said President Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Abiy witnessed the signing of an agreement and two memoranda of understanding.
The communique said the agreement on the waiver of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic or official/service passports is expected to ease the travel of officials, which will contribute to further strengthening the bilateral relations.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Tourism will be important to both countries in the creation of employment opportunities, especially for the youth.
“The Memorandum on Cooperation in the field of Health will be important in providing high quality health services for the citizens of their respective countries, especially the young and the elderly,” the joint communique said.
Read full communique below as sent to TODAY NEWS AFRICA in Washington DC