Forthcoming AU sessions bring opportunity for Ethiopians to show peaceful, stable realities on the ground: MFA
Addis Ababa, January 20, 2022 (FBC) – The spokesperson of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Dina Mufti, gave the Ministry’s biweekly press briefing today to the media.
In his presentation, the Ambassador focused on political diplomacy, the AU meetings, statements issued by the ministry as well as citizen-centered diplomatic and capacity-building activities over the week.
Ambassador Dina recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau had a conversation over the week that centered on current national and regional matters.
The prime Minister said Ethiopia, as always, appreciates a supportive and all-weather friend like Canada.”
Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia had a phone conversation over the week with Anniken Huitfeldt, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway. Demeke briefed the Norwegian Foreign Minister about the recent positive developments that have been taking place in Ethiopia, the Spokesperson said.
He also indicated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued three statements about the attack in the United Arab Emirates, Tedros Adhanom’s unacceptable behavior, and the TPLF’s actions that actually blocked humanitarian supply in the Tigray region.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia issued a statement expressing condolences over the deaths and injuries of civilians in the United Arab Emirates due to the terrorist attacks that targeted civilian establishments. The statement strongly condemned the cowardly act that neither the norms of humanity nor international law could justify. Ethiopia also reaffirmed, in the statement, its solidarity and with the government and people of the United Arab Emirates at this trying incident.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a statement debunking claims of the TPLF that accused the government of Ethiopia of blocking aid to the Tigray region on accounts of lack of transport, fuel, and humanitarian corridors.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed issued a statement over the week appreciating the decision of the African Union member states to convene the 35th AU Summit in person in Addis Ababa.
The Prime Minister said Ethiopia is pleased with the current leaders of Africa for acknowledging Ethiopia’s historic and unwavering stance to advance African and Pan-African agendas.
The Prime Minister said it would demonstrate peace and stability in the country. It would also create opportunities for us to restate our stance on the African Agenda and practically exhibit Ethiopia’s good status to our African allies. He also called on all Ethiopians to make the summit a success.
On related story, the Spokesperson said that the national committee established to oversee preparations to host the African Union Ministerial and Heads of State and Government Sessions has convened on Tuesday for deliberations.
Stakeholders from various sectors took part in the meeting and tabled their plans ranging from protocol services and accommodations to safety issues for further deliberations, he added.
“Presiding over the committee, State Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Burtukan Ayano, highlighted the importance of providing meticulous services to guests, as always.” the Spokesperson noted.
Ambassador Dina underscored that the forthcoming in-person A.U. sessions are opportunities for Ethiopians to show the peaceful and stable realities on the ground, contrary to the relentless campaigns that sought to tarnish the country’s image.
The 40th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council (Ministerial Session) and the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the A.U. (Heads of State and Government Session) will take place from 02-06 February 2022.
The A.U. Heads of State and Government declared the Year 2022 as THE YEAR OF NUTRITION under the theme, “Building Resilience in Nutrition on the African Continent: Accelerate the Human Capital, Social and Economic Development”.