ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Airlines, the largest aviation group in Africa, on Friday hailed the Ethiopian government's decision to start visa-on-arrival procedures for fellow African nationals as "historic and inspirational."
Ethiopia's flag carrier made the comment following the east African country's official launch of new visa policy for all fellow Africans in a ceremony held at the headquarters of the African Union (AU).
"It is truly an honor and a special privilege to witness this historic and truly inspirational day. Ethiopian Airlines has been bringing Africa together and closer to the world for over sever decades," said Tewolde GebreMariam, the airline's group CEO.
Ethiopian Airlines now flies to 60 African destinations and connects the continent to over 50 major international cities in five continents, it was noted.
"Visa-on-arrival for fellow African brothers and sisters and more importantly, visa online will greatly boost cross-border tourism, trade and investment, further deepening African integration," GebreMariam said.
In June this year, the Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs Main Department, in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, launched an e-visa service for all international visitors to the country.
The pan-African bloc, AU, also commended Ethiopia's announcement for the visa-on-arrival regime to African countries as "a historic move to meet the African Union agenda 2063."
AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, speaking at the launching ceremony, praised Ethiopia for "taking such a great step."
