Addis Ababa, March 8, 2021 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen today held a phone conversation with Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marc Garneau on issues of mutual concern.
In his briefing on the current situations in Tigray, Demeke said unfettered access has been given to humanitarian agencies and the media.
Although the government has been covering 70% of the humanitarian needs in the Tigray region, the international community’s assistance, including Canada is very much appreciated, he said.
He added the government has been able to address the food and non-food needs of 3.8 million people in the region so far.
The federal government and the interim administration in the region are scaling up their collaboration in reconstructing and confidence-building efforts, he added.
Addressing concerns over the humanitarian issue in the region, he said an investigation is underway with the collaborative efforts of the Attorney General, Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, and the Federal Police Commission.
Demeke underlined that the government of Ethiopia is serious over the matter and has zero-tolerance for human rights abuses and is committed to bringing perpetrators before justice.
In their discussion about the upcoming general election in Ethiopia, Demeke underscored his country’s commitment to making it free, fair, and transparent.
The Canadian Foreign Minister appreciated Demke for the briefing and pledged to support the Ethiopian government’s humanitarian assistance works with substantial funds.
He also said the government of Canada will deploy NGOs that will lend hand to the humanitarian support activities in the Tigray region.
The two sides concluded their conversation recalling the fruitful recent visit of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and pledging to further strengthen the relationships between the two countries.