Iran, Ethiopia Seek to Expand Ties Following BRICS Membership

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iran and Ethiopia have agreed to expand their political, economic, and cultural relations, with their recent membership in the BRICS group expected to provide new momentum for closer cooperation, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Speaker of Ethiopia’s House of Representatives Tagesse Chafo at the Iranian Parliament on Saturday, Ghalibaf highlighted the more than seven decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He noted that Chafo’s official two-day visit to Tehran follows Ghalibaf’s visit to Addis Ababa last year and coincides with both countries joining BRICS, creating new opportunities for enhanced coordination and collaboration.

Describing Ethiopia as a key African nation with a large population and deep cultural and religious ties to the Islamic world, particularly Iran, Ghalibaf said both sides have identified political, economic, and cultural development as priority areas for bilateral cooperation.

The Iranian parliament speaker said plans are underway to expand trade and economic relations through the Red Sea corridor and to strengthen parliamentary cooperation through the establishment of friendship groups, enabling closer coordination between economic commissions of the two legislatures.

Recalling his talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ghalibaf said the Ethiopian leader has pledged to visit Tehran, a move expected to further deepen political and economic relations between the two countries.

Ghalibaf added that Iran seeks to broaden cooperation with African nations, particularly in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing respect for territorial integrity while exploring opportunities with Ethiopia in areas such as agriculture, energy, technical services, and knowledge-based industries.

In turn, Speaker Tagesse Chafo praised the long-standing diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Iran, noting that the current visit represents the highest-level Ethiopian parliamentary delegation to Tehran since a historic royal visit six decades ago.

Referring to Ghalibaf’s recent visit to Ethiopia, Chafo expressed hope for enhanced parliamentary cooperation and expanded bilateral relations between the two governments and peoples. He highlighted shared historical and cultural links, the importance of BRICS membership, and ongoing efforts to strengthen political, economic, and cultural cooperation.

Chafo also announced plans for an Iranian parliamentary delegation to visit Ethiopia, while Ethiopia–Iran parliamentary friendship groups are expected to travel to Tehran as part of efforts to further deepen bilateral engagement.