Addis Ababa, September 7, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia is keen on scaling up its bilateral relations with Somalia not only in the political but also in social and economic spheres, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Meles Alem, told said during his Bi-Weekly Press Briefing to local and Addis Ababa-based diplomatic correspondents on current affairs in the Ethiopia’s diplomatic engagements.
In his presser, the Spokesperson disclosed that the first Ethiopia-Somalia Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) will be held today in Mogadishu.
This will further boost the bilateral relations at various levels between the two countries, he noted, reminding that Ethiopia-Somalia bilateral relation stood the test of time and its current status is a reflection of their enduring strong people-to-people ties.
He also expressed Ethiopia’s interest to scale up the bilateral relations not only in the political but also in social and economic spheres.
During the deliberations of the JMC, it is expected that two agreements on trade and defense cooperation, as well as a memorandum of understanding on bilateral political consultation will be signed.
Speaking of the upcoming 78th United Nation’s General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, Ambassador Meles told reporters, while UNGA will deliberate on 174 agenda items, Ethiopia’s positions will be pronounced in 55 of them.
The Spokesperson also informed the media that the necessary preparations have been made both at the headquarters and the Ethiopian Permanent Mission in New York for the General Assembly sessions. Ethiopia will be represented by high-level government officials, he added.
It is stated that a range of agenda items including the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals will be discussed during the sessions that will take place between 18 and 24 September 2023. In addition, sideline meetings will be held with leaders of various countries, international organizations, and foundations, as per MFA Ethiopia.