Ethiopia keen to continue GERD talks under AU chair: Deputy PM

Addis Ababa, March 17, 2021 (FBC) –Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen today received Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sami Jamil.

Demeke on the occasion underscored the need to further strengthen the existing historical ties between the two countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He briefed the ambassador on the unfettered access given for humanitarian organizations, restoration and rehabilitation efforts in Tigray as well as Ethiopia’s readiness to undertake investigation into any alleged human rights abuses in collaboration with AU or UN.

Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), he said, Ethiopia is keen the trilateral negotiation on the dam to continue under the auspices of the current AU chair, the DR Congo.

Commenting on the Ethio-Sudan border, he said, Ethiopia is ready to resolve the problem through dialogue when the Sudanese forces withdraw from the Ethiopian land.

He also briefed the ambassador about Ethiopia’s efforts to bring back home its citizens from Saudi Arabia.

Ambassador Jamil for his part commended Ethiopia’s efforts to return its citizens and reaffirmed his government’s support to the on-going efforts.

He also pledged to work to strengthen the historical ties between the two countries.