By Thomas Thale
The mayor of Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, arrives in Johannesburg on Sunday for a week-long visit aimed at strengthening relations between the two cities.
Accompanied by high-ranking officials, Mayor Ato Arkebe will be hosted by Johannesburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo in a visit expected to culminate with the two cities signing a memorandum of understanding.
During their stay, the Ethiopian delegation will be able to tour the landmarks of the city, including a sleepover in Soweto.
"This visit underscores the City's commitment to the ideals of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad), as it forges ties with select African cities to share information on developmental issues," says Harvey Phalatse, external liaison specialist for the city.
The Ethiopian delegation will meet with city officials to share ideas on governance and development. According to Phalatse, Addis Ababa has expressed keen interest in the city's housing programme, particularly Joburg's provision of low-cost housing.
Ethiopia, a predominantly Muslim country in East Africa, is the only African country to have escaped the scourge of colonialism, except for a five-year military occupation by Italy in 1936. Its monarch, Emperor Haile Selassie is revered by the Rastafarians as the incarnation of God. The country's major export is coffee, but its agricultural sector, which accounts for over half of its gross domestic product, is susceptible to prolonged periods of drought.
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