Ethiopia, Switzerland will hold joint political consultation meeting in September

Addis Ababa, June 18, 2022 (FBC) – Ambassador Zenebe Kebede, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, conferred with Franz Gruter, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Swiss Parliament and with Ambassador Siri Walt, the head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs’ African Division Bern, Switzerland yesterday.

In his discussions with Franz Gruter Ambassador Zenebe Kebede gave a briefing on accountability measures for human rights abuses, the government’s efforts to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid in the Tigray region, and activities undertaken to bring lasting peace as well as the preparations for convening the national dialogue in the country.

A request was forwarded to the Swiss government to support government efforts in rebuilding infrastructures and institutions destroyed during the invasion of the TPLF in the northern part of Ethiopia.

Ambassador Zenebe also took the occasion to congratulate Switzerland for being elected as one of the five countries to serve as a non-permanent member at the UN Security Council for a two-year term beginning on 1 January 2023.

On his part, Franz Gruter expressed gratitude to Ambassador Zenebe Kebede for providing updated information on the present situation in Ethiopia pledging to discuss the request for support with the relevant government departments.

During their discussion, the two sides noted the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Similarly, Zenebe Kebede met with Ambassador Siri Walt, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs’ African Division, in Bern, Switzerland, briefed her on the current situation in Ethiopia and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations as well as addressed the common interests between the two countries.

In view of further strengthening of the relations between the two countries, a joint political consultation meeting will be held in Addis Ababa at the beginning of September 2022.