Ashgabat: H.E. Annageldi Saparov, Minister of Energy of Turkmenistan, has praised the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) for its leadership in promoting regional integration through renewable energy in Africa. This acknowledgment was made during a meeting with H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Turkmenistan with residence in Islamabad, who is currently on a working visit to Ashgabat.
Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, including bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation in renewable energy, research, innovation, and sustainable development. They highlighted Ethiopia’s proactive and strategic efforts in advancing green and sustainable development in Africa by establishing strong energy linkages with neighboring countries.
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker briefed the Minister on structural reforms undertaken by Ethiopia’s government to harness its renewable energy potential, particularly water, solar, and geothermal resources. These efforts ensure that approximately 98% of the energy produced in Ethiopia is clean, green, and sustainable.
The Ambassador noted Ethiopia’s trajectory toward becoming Africa’s energy hub, already exporting energy to several regional countries. He emphasized that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), with a production capacity of around 5,150 MW, will soon become operational, further strengthening regional integration. GERD is based on the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization of resources and reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to pan-Africanism, deeply rooted in its national policy.
He also highlighted the Green Legacy Initiative, a visionary project spearheaded by H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia. This initiative exemplifies pan-Africanism through its multi-dimensional approach, addressing environmental restoration, food security, and sustainable development in the region.
Ethiopia’s vast renewable energy potential was underscored, with a call for Turkmenistan’s business community to explore investment opportunities in the sector.
In conclusion, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing mutual cooperation to achieve shared prosperity for their nations.