Addis Ababa, November 23, 2022 (FBC) – The Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, appreciated Nigeria’s principled, unwavering stance towards Ethiopia during testing times.
DPM & FM Demeke discussed bilateral and regional issues with the Nigerian Foreign Minister, Jeffrey Eniyama today (November 23) in Niamey, Niger, on the sidelines of the 17th African Union Special Conference.
Demeke briefed the Nigerian FM about the current state of affairs in Ethiopia and the peace agreement signed in Pretoria.
He confirmed that the Ethiopian government is fully committed to the implementation of the peace agreement.
The Ethiopian DPM & FM also revealed that his government is taking practical steps for the implementation of the peace accord, adding that the country is in a promising situation for a lasting peace.
He mentioned that humanitarian support and social services have resumed, indicating that the current focus is reconstruction and rehabilitation of conflict-affected areas.
Demeke expressed his gratitude for Nigeria’s unwavering and principled stance when Ethiopia faced challenges.
Demeke said that the former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, and other veteran African former leaders demonstrated the continent’s wisedom and capacity in ceasing the conflict in Ethiopia with the “African solutions for African problems” principle.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, on his part, mentioned that he was happy with the signing of the peace agreement.
He said the CoHA agreement result shows that Africa has the ability to solve its own problems.
Jeffrey also mentioned that the Nigerian government is ready to provide all possible support for the successful implementation of the peace agreement.
The West African nation’s FM stated that Ethiopian Airlines is not only an Ethiopian airline but also an African airline.
In their discussion, the two FMs agreed to work together to strengthen bilateral friendship and strategic multilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Nigeria.
According to the Office of Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, the countries produce 28 percent of Africa’s population.
The Ethiopian delegation led by DMP & FM Demeke is participating in the 17th special meeting of the leaders of the African Union in Niamey, Niger.