Addis Ababa University (AAU) and Institute of Strategic Affairs (ISA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate basically on Academic and Research Engagement at Hilton Addis Ababa Hotel this morning, 31^st of March 2021.

Professor Tassew Woldehanna, President of AAU, mentioned during the agreement that the University has three missions: teaching, researching and providing professional based community services. To achieve these goals, the University must enter into a number of agreements with various national and international organizations, he added.

“AAU has great potential with over 240,000 books composition of library, has about 18 its own journals with a platform that makes these online, and provides about 55,000 international journals online to Ethiopian universities. In this regard, we will support ISA in online service which helps it to enhance its image by making it accessible to the whole community and the world,” Prof Tassew said.

As ISA has a lot of experience, working on peace and development issues, diplomacy, strategy and regional issues, now a priority for Ethiopia, and merging these cooperating  with AAU, which has extensive experience, will significantly contribute to closing the gaps in our country, especially in the field of diplomacy, Prof Tassew clarified the use of the agreement.

According to Yohannes Boyales, Director of ISA, the main concern of the Institution is exploring and proposing alternatives on policy proposals on what to do in Ethiopia and Africa as a whole. It also monitors peace and security in the region, on the continent, especially in the Gulf States and the Red Sea to suggest similar policy options, he added.

“Addis Ababa University has a great deal of experience and research capacity, so it is a great opportunity for us to work with it. On the other hand, as our institute raises major strategic issues and conducts in-depth research, there is an opportunity for our researchers to gain and to share all rounded knowledge and experience between us,” Yohannes said.

As Yohannes explained, the basis of the agreement is to build a great nation and well known institution in the continent; therefore, it  enables the researchers of the two institutions to conduct joint research, fundraising, exchange of expertise, publish joint research results, and provide short and long-term trainings together.

Tassew Weldehanna (Professor), President of AAU, on behalf of the University and Mr. Yohannes Boyalew, Director for Institute of Strategic Affairs (ISA), signed the MoU.

“The MoU shall remain in force for a period of five (5) years following its entry into force and be renewable for successive similar periods thereafter by written agreement of the Parties, based upon successful past implementation.”

Institute of Strategic Affairs is an autonomous foreign policy and security organization accountable to the FDRE Ministry of Foreign Affairs which strives to instigate alternative policy options through research, publication and training in the areas of foreign policy, international relations, peace and security, nation building and governance.

By: Abraham Girmay

Photo: Andualem Aseffa