The Prime Minister was conferred with the award for his exceptional contribution towards strengthening India-Ethiopia partnership. Photo: @PMOIndia
PM Modi honoured with Ethiopia’s top award, a first for world leaders
PM Modi receives Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour for strengthening India-Ethiopia ties and global leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first global head of state to receive Ethiopia's highest award 'The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia', on Tuesday (December 16). The award was conferred upon PM Modi by his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali in a special ceremony hosted at the Addis International Convention Centre.
The Prime Minister was conferred with the award for his exceptional contribution towards strengthening India-Ethiopia partnership and for his visionary leadership as a global statesman, the Ministry of External Affairs, stated the Ministry of External Affairs in a release.
‘PM Modi dedicates award to Indians’
"I’m honoured to be conferred with the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.’ I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India," Modi posted on X.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi noted that it was an honour for him to accept the award from one of the most ancient civilisations of the world, and he did so with a deep sense of humility and gratitude, the statement said.
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"...I also express heartfelt gratitude to my friend PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. Last month, when we met during the G20 Summit in South Africa, with great love and right, you had urged me to visit Ethiopia. How could I have turned down this invitation from my friend, my brother? So, at the first chance, I decided to come to Ethiopia," Modi said after receiving the award.
Expresses gratitude to Ethiopian PM
Prime Minister Modi also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy and the people of Ethiopia for this honour.
He also expressed appreciation for the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy and his initiatives to promote national unity, sustainability, and inclusive development, the statement said.
‘Privilege for Indian teachers’
Underlining the salience of knowledge for nation building, Prime Minister Modi stated that it was a privilege for Indian teachers for over a century now to contribute towards Ethiopia’s progress and development, he said.
"We, in India, have always believed... Education is the foundation stone of any country. I am proud that in Ethiopia and India relations, the most significant contribution has been from our teachers," he said.
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"...Together with Ethiopia, we are committed to furthering such partnerships which can bring forth a solution to evolving global challenges and build new opportunities." Modi dedicated the award to all those – Indians and Ethiopians - who have nurtured the bilateral ties for ages and conveyed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the 1.4 billion Indians for being bestowed with this honour, the statement said.
The conferment of the award marks a milestone in the close partnership between India and Ethiopia and in furthering the positive agenda of the Global South.
(With agency inputs)