Secretary Dammu Ravi also discussed bilateral issues with Ethiopia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tesfaye Yilma

India and the African Union discussed closer collaboration during a visit to Ethiopia by Secretary Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Dammu Ravi earlier this week.

The Secretary (Economic Relations) visited Ethiopia on Wednesday for consultations with the African Union (AU) and meeting with the Government of Ethiopia, the MEA said on Thursday. He was accompanied by Puneet R. Kundal, JS(E&SA).

Secretary (ER) met with African Union Deputy Chairperson Monique Nsanzabaganwa.

The consultations covered issues related to India’s cooperation with African Union, including the possibility of holding of the next round of the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), the MEA said. The two sides agreed to maintain contacts for taking forward the discussions on holding the IAFS.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. "The discussions also covered various aspects of India’s relations with Africa including trade, investment, development partnership programs, capacity building and training," the MEA added.

During the visit, Secretary Ravi also spoke with Ethiopia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tesfaye Yilma, to address a range of bilateral issues, including political exchanges, development cooperation, training, and capacity building.

The MEA Secretary also addressed a gathering of Indian Business Community organized by the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa. Over 100 business persons attended the event.

Ethiopia and India share cordial and close relations. On topics like international cross-border terrorism, the necessity of reforming the UN, and the significance of addressing climate change, both nations share the same views.