DPM & FM Demeke meets with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in Riyadh

Addis Ababa, June 8, 2023 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Demeke Mekonnen met and held discussion today with the U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on the margins of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh.

It is stated that their discussion focused on ways that the two countries can strengthen their bilateral cooperation, the implementation of sustainable peace, the provision of humanitarian aid in the northern part of Ethiopia, the transitional justice process, human rights and other current issues.

During their meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen stated that the Ethiopian government is working to consolidate and to address different outstanding issues.

For his part, Secretary Blinken commended progress made in forging lasting peace in northern Ethiopia through implementation of the November 2 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

Recall that DPM & FM Demeke Mekonnen has arrived in Riyadh this morning to participate on the Ministeria Meeting of the Global Coalition against Daesh/ISIS. During his remarks at the meeting, Demeke stated that Ethiopia stands firm in the global effort to eliminate terrorism.

He also called on the international community to deny ISIS, Al-Shabab and other terrorist groups, the opportunity to recruit fighters and mobilize funds.