Ethiopia cherishes its historic relations with Saudi Arabia: MFA State Minister

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia treasures its historic and cordial relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the two brotherly peoples should strengthen their relationship, which is rich in cultural and social interdependence, said Mesganu Arga, State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.

The State Minister Mesganu Arga held discussions with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Ethiopia, Fahad Obaydullah Al-Hamidani, on Thursday afternoon.

The State Minister thanked the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its assistance in Ethiopia’s efforts to repatriate Ethiopian citizens who had entered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia illegally.

Human trafficking and illegal migration are worldwide challenges, and the two countries must work together to combat them, according to the State Minister, who urged the Kingdom and Ethiopia’s partners to help efforts to rehabilitate returnees.

Ambassador Fahad Obadullah Al-Hamidani, for his part, congratulated the State Minister on his new position, emphasizing that Ethiopia is an integral country in the Horn of Africa region.

Hence, Saudi Arabia wishes to strengthen its historical relations with Ethiopia, the Ambassador said.

Ambassador Fahad Obaydullah Al-Hamidani revealed a plan to have a meeting shortly in Addis Ababa between the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior and the Ethiopian Federal Police to exchange experiences and collaborate to combat illegal migration and human trafficking.

He also mentioned that a number of Saudi Arabian companies have entered Ethiopia and are undertaking feasibility studies for investment in the country.

The Ambassador, according to MFA Ethiopia, stated that he will work to deepen and enhance the two countries’ historical relations on a higher level.