Ethiopia reaffirms commitment to global response to COVID19 pandemic

Addis Ababa, December 5, 2020 (FBC) -The United Nations General Assembly has held a two-day Special Virtual Session in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The session was convened upon the request of Azerbaijan on behalf of members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in recognition of the need for a global response to the pandemic.

Representing Ethiopia at the Session, Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs delivered his remarks via a pre-recorded video message.

He underscored the need for global solidarity to effectively respond to the unprecedented crisis and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment in this regard.

He further noted the encouraging progress in the development of the COVID vaccine and expressed Ethiopia’s full support for the COVAX initiative.

Demeke also indicated that Ethiopia subscribes to the growing international consensus that the vaccine should be indeed a global public good — accessible and affordable to everyone, everywhere.

He recalled that Africa has been urging G20 countries to provide an effective economic stimulus package that includes relief and deferred payments underlining the pandemic’s detrimental economic effects.

Finally, he said he is optimistic that the outcome of the session will catalyze and coordinate a unified global response and pave the way for an inclusive, sustainable, green, and resilient recovery.

Many world leaders, United Nations principals, and other relevant stakeholders participated in the session, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.