Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday said that he feels at home in Ethiopia, as both the country and his home state of Gujarat are home to lions. He made this remark while addressing the Joint Session of Parliament of Ethiopia. Notably, this was the 18th parliament in the world where PM Modi spoke.
"It is a moment of great privilege to stand before you today. It is wonderful to be here in Ethiopia, the land of lions. I feel very much at home because my home state, Gujarat in India, is also home to lions," he said.
PM Modi hailed Ethiopia democratic journey and conveyed the greetings of friendship on behalf of people in India. He also highlighted that India's national song and Ethiopia’s national anthem both inspire people to take pride in their mother land.
"I come to you with big respect for your Parliament, for your people and your democratic journey...On behalf of 1.4 billion people of India, I bring greetings of friendship, goodwill and brotherhood," PM Modi said.
"India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and Ethiopia’s national anthem, both refer to our land as the Mother. They inspire us to take pride in the heritage, culture, beauty and protect the motherland," he added.
On receiving Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, PM Modi said he accepts the honour on behalf of the people of India with folded hands and humility.
"Yesterday, I was also honoured to receive ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’. I accept this award with folded hands and humility on behalf of the people of India," he said.
PM Modi said Indian companies are among the largest foreign investors in Ethiopia. He said being the developing nations, both India and Ethiopia have a lot to learn from and offer to each other.
"Indian companies are among the largest investors in Ethiopia. They have invested more than 5 billion dollars across diverse sectors and generated more than 75000 jobs. We have decided to elevate India-Ethiopia bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership," he said.
PM Modi acknowledged long-standing relations between India and Ethiopia, saying the ties between the two nations are beyond just trade. He also highlighted the participation of Indian soldiers in Ethiopia’s liberation movement.
"India and Ethiopia share warmth in climate as well as in spirit. Nearly 2000 years ago, our ancestors built connections across the great waters. Across the Indian Ocean, merchants sailed with spices and gold, but they traded more than goods; they exchanged ideas and ways of life. Ports like Addis and Dholera were not just trade centres, but bridges between civilisations. In modern times, our relationship enters a new era, as Indian soldiers fought alongside Ethiopians for the liberation of Ethiopia in 1941," PM Modi said.
