Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday inaugurated the first phase of the Ogaden Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project in Calub, Somali Region, marking a major milestone in the country's push to unlock its energy potential.
The facility, with an annual production capacity exceeding 100 million liters, is set to play a pivotal role in Ethiopia's strategy to leverage its vast natural gas reserves for economic development.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony, Ahmed hailed the project as a symbol of deepening cooperation between Ethiopia and China.
"It's clear that we do have a very strong relationship with the government of China. Our diplomatic relationship, also economic relationship, is one of the exemplary ones on this continent. And today is a great day for Ethiopia, because it shows the friendship between Ethiopia and China. The investment, which is taking place in the Ogaden area today, will transform the energy sector in Ethiopia. It will also enhance our development. There is a huge amount of advantages that we're going to harness from this investment," said the prime minister.
The project is a joint venture between Ethiopia's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and GCL Group, a leading Chinese private energy company.
"After this project is operational, it will greatly benefit Ethiopia's entire industry, agriculture, transportation, and all other sectors. Its driving effect on the national economy is very significant," said Zhu Gongshan, chairman of GCL Group.
Ethiopia inaugurates first phase of Ogaden LNG project co-developed with China
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday strongly condemned an Israeli attack on a Lebanese Army patrol that killed two officers and one soldier.
Condemning the attack on the Khardali-Nabatieh road earlier in the day as a flagrant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and international laws and norms, Aoun said in a statement that the strike was part of Israel's ongoing escalation, which threatens stability and security in southern Lebanon, despite Beirut's efforts in Washington negotiations to end the ongoing Israeli attacks.
Aoun said the fallen servicemen had joined a long list of military and civilian victims, including children, women, paramedics, rescue workers, and journalists killed in Israeli attacks.
He extended his condolences to the Lebanese Army command and the families of the victims, praising the sacrifices of the officers, soldiers, and other military personnel who had given their lives in defense of the country and its sovereignty.
He stressed that Lebanon would not waver in protecting its land and people. Such attacks, he added, would not deter the country from upholding its full national rights.
Aoun also called on the international community to assume its responsibilities, put an end to the repeated attacks, and ensure respect for relevant international resolutions to preserve Lebanon's security and stability.
On the same day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement confirming the attack and said it had launched an investigation into the incident.
According to the statement, the IDF spotted a vehicle "moving suspiciously" across an "active combat zone" in the Tebnit area of southern Lebanon on Saturday.
The IDF said it had previously received intelligence indicating that Hezbollah militants would open fire on Israeli troops from that area. Citing this intelligence and asserting that the vehicle posed a "threat to Israeli soldiers", the military carried out the strike.
Lebanese president slams Israeli attack killing 3 servicemen
