Addis Ababa: Iranian and Ethiopian parliament speakers have underscored the need to enhance economic, political, and parliamentary cooperation, focusing on removing obstacles hindering the private sector. Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf and his Ethiopian counterpart, Tagesse Chafo, met in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, to discuss these issues.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Qalibaf, leading a parliamentary delegation to Ethiopia, arrived on Thursday to develop bilateral relations. During the meeting, he highlighted the significance of establishing an Ethiopian embassy in Tehran, which could mark the beginning of strengthened economic and political ties. He also mentioned the release of four Ethiopian sailors from Iranian prisons, suggesting that the establishment of an embassy could expedite such processes in the future.

Qalibaf emphasized Ethiopia's strategic role in East Africa, particularly in ensuring regional security and stability. He noted that enhancing economic relations and regional security is crucial, aligning with Iran's policy to expand its relations with African countries, including Ethiopia. Praising Ethiopia's recent economic growth, Qalibaf pointed out the country's potential for expanding economic relations with Iran due to its large population and robust economy.

He expressed disappointment over the lack of meetings of the joint economic commission between the two countries in the last decade, stating that one of his trip's objectives was to revive this commission. Qalibaf highlighted Iran's capabilities in knowledge-based industries, health, artificial intelligence, and medical equipment, proposing cooperation in these fields with Ethiopia.

Chafo, on his part, showed interest in re-establishing the joint economic commission and expressed readiness to expand Ethiopia's commercial, parliamentary, and diplomatic relations with Iran.