Reunion Wire

The newly appointed Ethiopian ambassador to Japan, Daba Debele, has presented his letter of credence to Emperor Naruhito of Japan, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the ceremony, the emperor has reaffirmed the commitment of the Japanese Government to take Japan-Ethiopia relations to a new height.

According to a press release sent by the ministry, Emperor Naruhito spoke about his memories of Abebe Bikila’s victory at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and wished for the health and happiness of the president and the people of Ethiopia.

On his part, Ambassador Daba Debele said that he would work to bring the existing relationship between Ethiopia and Japan to a higher level.

The ambassador also conferred with Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura who acknowledged the economic potential of Ethiopia.

In addition, the minister lauded the success of the Government of Ethiopia in settling peacefully the conflict with TPLF, and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen the relations between the two countries in areas of trade, economy and industry.

On the occassion, Ambassador Daba reiterated his commitment to work together with the minister to strengthen the economic, trade and industry relationships between the two countries.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

The diplomatic cooperation between Africa and Russia is moving into a new phase, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Russia, Cham Ugala said.

The Africa- Russia exhibit that depicts the historical and natural attractions of the African continent has been opened in Russia.

African diplomats, journalists and educational institutions that work on the relations between Africa and Russia were present during the opening ceremony of two-week exhibition.

Ambassador Cham Ugala, who spoke with ENA about the importance of the exhibition, said that the diplomatic cooperation between Africa and Russia is moving into a new phase.

He stressed the need to disseminate information on the realities in Africa to the global community to correct the wrong narrative about the continent by strengthening cooperation between Africa and Russia in the media sector.

The ambassador mentioned that the relationship between Africa and Russia has a long history, recalling that Russia was a major ally of Africa during the anti-colonial struggle.

He appreciated the efforts being carried out by Sputnik media in providing professional training to African journalists with a view to strengthening the relationship between Africa and Russia in the field of media and communication.

Ambassador Cham announced that Sputnik is in the process of opening a branch in Addis Ababa, which is a good opportunity for the whole of Africa.

In related news, the Former President of South Africa and renowned freedom fighter Nelson Mandela’s Day was celebrated at the Russian Center for Foreign Literature.

The event was held in the presence of ambassadors of various African countries, including South Africa’s ambassador to Russia, Jeff Mzuvukile Maqetuka.

Ambassador Jeff Mzuvukile, in his message on the occasion pointed out that Mandela’s principle of struggle has a universal concept.

The ambassador underlined that the efforts made by Nelson Mandela to bring a better world should be maintained in order to realize the values of freedom, equality and justice.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

The 33rd Heroes’ Day commemoration will take place at Omuthiya in the Oshikoto Region under the theme ‘Honouring our Martyrs (Heroes and Heroines)’.

This is contained in a media statement availed here by the Executive Director in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), Audrin Mathe who stated that the Heroes’ Day, observed on 26 August, will commemorate the Namibian war for liberation where the first shots were fired at Omugulugwombashe on 26 August 1966.

“The day will also be held to honour the sons and daughters of this nation who tirelessly fought for the liberation of the country,” he added.

The Heroes’ Day commemoration is held in the regions on a rotational basis, and the last commemoration main event was held in Mariental, Hardap Region in 2022, Mathe stated.

“Preparations are underway for this year’s commemoration and the government wishes to invite Namibians from all parts of the country to come together and commemorate the selfless acts of sacrifices whilst reaffirming Namibia’s patriotism that fosters pride and duty towards our nation,” he said

Moreover, the event will be livestreamed on the MICT Facebook page, Mathe added.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

Two rhino poaching suspects are expected in court this week on charges of conspiracy to hunt specially protected game after they were arrested on a private game lodge on Sunday.

Namibian Police Force head of community affairs in the Otjozondjupa Region, Inspector Maureen Mbeha on Thursday said the suspects who are Namibian males are aged 27 and 31 years.

Mbeha said between 13 July and 16 July 2023, four unknown poachers allegedly entered the lodge outside Otjiwarongo with the intention to hunt a rhino.

She said it was on 16 July when the four different strange footprints were detected on the farm.

A quick response team of police officers joined by officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism were informed and launched an operation, she said.

Their one-day special operation led to the arrest of two male suspects on the game farm, while the two other accomplices fled with the hunting rifles and tools, she said.

“A rhino they had pursued around the farm survived their hunt unharmed,” Mbeha said.

A search for the suspects who fled is still ongoing, while the two suspects in police custody are expected in the Otjiwarongo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday or Friday on charges of conspiracy to illegally hunt a rhino and on trespassing.

Police investigations in the matter continue.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency