Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA: November 11 (EI) – The Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa and the United States capital Washington D.C. on Monday inked an agreement to further boost their sister-city partnership.
The two cities signed the agreement during the meeting of Washington D.C. Mayor, Muriel Bowser, and the Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa City, Takele Uma, here on Monday.
“As we lay down the cornerstone for this new road in honor of our partnership, I’ve no doubt that we’re cementing a moment in history to highlight the place of DC and its residents in Addis. I know we’ll see the same commitment to strong bonds between our people from Mayor Bowser,” Takele said after his meeting with Bowser.
“To Ethiopians in DC: We need your passion, knowledge, expertise, creativity and the values that allowed you to be outstanding citizens and entrepreneurs in DC to help us achieve our national aspirations and in our efforts to make Addis a truly vibrant and inclusive metropolis,” Takele tweeted.
Following the latest agreement, the two cities have renewed their sister-city ties that was signed in 2013, which encompasses a sister city agreement and protocol of friendship agreement.
Meanwhile, Bowser also on Monday met with the Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde at the Ethiopian National Palace, where they “discussed ways of strengthening business relations between the cities of Addis Ababa and Washington DC,” according to state-run news agency ENA.
Noting a cooperation agreement made between the DC Chamber of Commerce with the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA), Bowser also stressed existing opportunities in business cooperation among the two cities in particular and Ethiopia and U.S. in general.
The Ethiopian President on her part also emphasized Ethiopia’s keen interest to enhance the relationship of the two sister cities, according to ENA
Zewde also stressed the need for strengthening the sister city agreement between Addis Ababa and Washington D.C. for the benefit of both cities.
Mayor Bowser had previously proclaimed July 28 last year as “Ethiopia Day in DC,” which is home to over 30,000 Ethiopian immigrants.
