Addis Ababa, November 12, 2024 (FBC) – Norwegian Ambassador, Stian Christensen has affirmed the commitment of his country’s government to consolidate partnership with Ethiopia in promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa Region.
In an exclusive interview with ENA, Norwegian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Christensen has acknowledged Ethiopia’s indispensable contributions to bring about durable peace in the region.
Norway recognizes the significant role that Ethiopia has played in neighboring countries, Ambassador Christensen revealed.
Realizing the importance of maintaining strong cooperation with Ethiopia across the Horn of Africa region, the ambassador assured that this partnership continues to be a cornerstone of Norway’s regional engagement.
“On peace and security, we have been particularly committed to the Horn of Africa, partnering with Ethiopia on key issues such as Somalia. We have also been dedicated to supporting South Sudan, working alongside Ethiopia and other countries.
Our collaboration continues in Sudan, where a tragic crisis is unfolding before us. In the Horn of Africa, our partnership with Ethiopia remains strong,” he elaborated.
Speaking on Ethiopia’s endeavors to ensure durable peace at home, Christensen pledged for Norway’s support for the key initiatives of the country such as the nationwide dialogue, transitional justice and the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) particularly, in northern Ethiopia.
“Norway is very committed to supporting the peace process and progress of Ethiopia. We are specifically supporting three domestic processes, the transitional justice process, as well as the DDR process of Ethiopia. These are elements of building an ever stronger Ethiopia that Norway is committed to be a part of,” he said.
Noting that Ethiopia is a nation with remarkable people and immense potential, the ambassador lauded the country has embarked on a rigorous endeavors to address regional and domestic challenges.
To this effect, Norway remains a steadfast partner in supporting its progress and stability, especially given the complex regional environment, he stated.
Expressing Norway’s broader commitment to peace and security across the globe including in the Sahel region, Christensen stressed the importance of a stable Somalia in particular, for the overall security of the Horn of Africa.
The stability and progress of Somalia are essential for the region, and for that reason, Norway has been a strong supporter of Somalia for decades, he noted.
Christensen further highlighted the shared commitment to a strong multilateral order, with the United Nations at its center.
According to him, his country is in full agreement on the importance of a strong UN system and the need for reform within the multilateral framework.
Given Ethiopia and the broader African continent are recently calling for global institutional reform, the ambassador stated that Norway has long been an advocate for reforming the international system.
Moreover, Ambassador Christensen underscored the importance of deepening the relationship between Ethiopia and Norway particularly, in the areas of trade and people-to-people exchanges.
The countries have enjoyed a long-standing relationship, rooted in political, humanitarian, and cultural ties since World War II, it was learned.