Seoul:<Text>

Ethiopia hopes for strong cooperation with South Korea as Seoul's aid and investment in key initiatives will help bolster the African country's drive for climate resilient development and long-term growth that benefit local communities, its top envoy has said. Ethiopian Ambassador to South Korea Dessie Dalkie Dukamo made the remarks in an interview with Yonhap News Agency, saying that Korea's technological prowess and industrial development experience can play a key role in supporting Ethiopia's efforts toward sustainable growth.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Dukamo emphasized the importance of aligning development cooperation with Ethiopia's green development and agricultural strategies. He highlighted the need for capacity-building and technology transfer, especially in forest management and climate-smart agriculture, to support Ethiopia's sustainable growth. The ambassador suggested that by combining Korea's experience in reforestation and digital innovation , a model of climate-resilient rural development could be established, benefiting both people and the planet.

Ethiopia's "Green Legacy Initiative," launched in 2019, aims to transform the nation, which is highly vulnerable to droughts and natural disasters, into one better equipped to tackle climate change. The initiative focuses on planting billions of seedlings nationwide, with a goal of reaching 39.6 billion trees by the end of 2024. This reforestation program has already created more than 767,000 jobs in Ethiopia. Dukamo indicated that these green projects are areas where Korea's support can align with Ethiopia's priorities, both in development aid and private-sector investment.

The ambassador encouraged responsible Korean private investment in agro-processing and green technologies to further improve localization and sustainability. He expressed gratitude that Ethiopia remains a priority country for Korean official development assistance. Additionally, Dukamo highlight ed South Korea as a key partner in Ethiopia's broader modernization efforts, such as the new Bishoftu International Airport project in Addis Ababa, where Korea's expertise in urban development and infrastructure could be beneficial.

Dukamo noted several areas where Korean cooperation could contribute significantly, including smart city planning, digital governance, and integrated transport systems. He expressed a desire for cooperation to expand to training Ethiopian workers through partnerships with Korean institutions. He stressed the importance of ensuring that infrastructure projects are inclusive, creating jobs, transferring technology, and improving daily life for citizens.

Regarding concerns over supply chain disruptions due to tensions in the Middle East, Dukamo emphasized the need for countries to diversify their supply sources and collaborate to keep trade routes open and predictable. Ethiopia advocates for diversification and investments that better connect Afric a to global markets. The ambassador also mentioned Ethiopia's upcoming membership in the BRICS forum in 2024 as a strategic choice to engage more actively in shaping a changing global order and contributing to a balanced, multipolar international system.

Dukamo described the bilateral relations with South Korea as a "living legacy," rooted in Ethiopia's participation in the 1950-53 Korean War as the only African country to have sent ground troops. This "blood alliance" has evolved into a strong political partnership and a relationship of mutual respect. Looking ahead, Dukamo emphasized the importance of making this relationship meaningful for younger generations through educational exchanges and cultural projects, ensuring that the alliance is both remembered and renewed.