DPM & FM Demeke calls for concerted post-COVID recovery measures, follow-up

Addis Ababa, March 2, 2023 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen, has addressed the Summit-Level Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Contact Group in response to COVID-19 on post-pandemic global recovery.

It is indicated that the Summit-Level Meeting has kicked off today in Baku, Azerbaijan.

He reiterated the commendable strides taken to respond to post-pandemic challenges that the Non-Aligned Movement has taken since the outbreak of the pandemic, stressing that Member States must build upon these efforts and follow-up with concerted post-COVID recovery measures.

In this regard, DPM & FM Demeke specifically mentioned the UN Human Rights Council and UN General Assembly resolutions on “universal, equitable, and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines,” initiated under the Azerbaijani Chairmanship.

He also spoke in detail about the successful conclusion of the Pretoria Peace Deal. In line with the Principles of the Non-Aligned Movement, he said, the Agreement demonstrated Ethiopia’s capacity to resolve its internal challenges devoid of external interference.

Demeke finally expressed Ethiopia’s support for newly emerging initiatives that aim to revitalize the NAM. “We must closely assess and adopt proposals that will allow us to work for our collective interest,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, representatives of about 70 countries are attending the Summit in Baku.