Addis Ababa, October 12, 2023 (FBC) – In the first quarter of 2016 E.C., the Ministry of Foreign Affairs carried out a series of successful diplomatic engagements on bilateral and multilateral platforms to enhance Ethiopia’s partnership with various countries and institutions, said the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Meles Alem, in his bi-weekly press briefing conducted earlier today as he addressed the local and Addis Ababa-based media on the diplomatic activities and engagements of Ethiopia.
He noted that these concerted efforts have been effective in protecting the national interests of our country.
In his presser, the Spokesperson mentioned the growing momentum in the relationship between Ethiopia and the United States and the European Union as an institution, as well as with each member country of the Union, through the engagement of countries and various diplomatic actors in an inclusive and multifaceted manner.
Ambassador Meles explained in detail the outcomes of Ethiopia’s diplomatic engagements during the United Nations General Assembly held in New York and the Group of 77 plus China (G77+China) Summit held in Havana, Cuba.
He further mentioned that consultations are being held in order to strengthen the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and the United States in the fields of democracy, human rights, good governance, investment, trade, and development cooperation, as well as defence and security.
The Spokesperson also added that the recent visits of US senators and Congress members to Ethiopia would further enhance these ties. There were also discussions with US investors in New York about the untapped investment opportunities in Ethiopia.
Ambassador Meles said the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen’s recent visit to Ethiopia and the announcement of the €650 million Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) is a proof of the institution’s readiness to support the ongoing reforms in the country. He also mentioned that an agreement has been signed to scale up the relations to the level of strategic partnership.
The Spokesperson also pointed out Ireland’s readiness to work closely with Ethiopia and the ongoing efforts to take the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom into a strategic partnership.
Speaking of multilateral diplomacy, Ambassador Meles explained that the President of the United Nations Security Council and a group of representatives of member countries of the Council came to Ethiopia and held fruitful discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, on peace and security issues in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa region.
He also recalled that Deputy Prime Minister Demeke held more than 30 productive meetings with leaders of various countries, international organizations, UN bodies, as well as with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, during the UN General Assembly session.
Recalling that the discussions were focusing on development and partnership, the Spokesperson stated that Ethiopia would continue to strengthen its diplomatic engagements in order to protect its national interests and become a key and influential player in the international arena.
As Ethiopia is a diplomatic hub, Ambassador Meles noted that various countries, including Croatia, Colombia, and Nicaragua, have shown interest in opening their diplomatic missions in Addis Ababa.
The Spokesperson concluded the presser by responding to questions raised by the reporters.