NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the relations between India and Ethiopia as he addressed the joint session of the Parliament of Ethiopia.This is the 18th parliament in the world where PM Modi addressed the parliamentarians.Here are the top quotes from his address
- It is a moment of a great privilege for me to stand before you today. It is wonderful to be here in Ethiopia – The land of lions.
- On behalf of 1.4 billion people of India, I bring greetings of friendship, goodwill and brotherhood.
- 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.
- When the wheel of the state moves in harmony with the people, the wheel of progress moves forward with hope and purpose. Through you, I am also speaking to farmers in the fields, to entrepreneurs building new ideas, to proud women leading communities and institutions, and to the young people of Ethiopia who are shaping the future.
- 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.
- In this great building, your laws are shaped, here the will of people becomes will of the state, and when the will of the state is in harmony with the will of the people, then the wheel of programs moves forward. Through you, I am also speaking to your farmers in the fields, to entrepreneurs building new ideas, to the women leading communities, and to the youth of Ethiopia who are shaping the future.
- Yesterday, I was also honoured to receive ‘The Great Honor – Nishan of Ethiopia’ from my dear friend Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. I accept this award with folded hands, with humility on behalf of the people of India.
- 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 way 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.
- Science has traced some of the earliest footprints of our species in Ethiopia; we share a common origin, whether we live in Addis Ababa or Ayodhya, if our beginning was shared, then our destiny must also be shared.
- “India sent medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries during COVID-19. It was India’s proud privilege to supply Ethiopia with over 4 million vaccine doses.
