Ethiopia, US bilateral ties evolved on shared interest, collaborative effort: Ambassador Mesganu

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2024 (FBC) – The bilateral relations between Ethiopia and the United States of America have been steadily cemented, Foreign Affairs State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga said.

According to the State Minister, century-old bilateral ties between the two countries have also evolved through various historical contexts and heights.

This is characterized by shared interest and collaborative efforts, the ambassador elaborated.

A musical presentation to celebrate the 120 years of Ethiopia-US diplomatic relations was held last night at the premises of Yared School of Music Addis Ababa University (AAU).

During the occasion, Ambassador Mesganu said that this serves as a testimony to the enduring bonds of friendship, mutual respect, shared values, and aspiration.

A farsighted approach that can tackle common challenges and advance mutually beneficial agendas is an absolute necessity for the protection of the national security interest of the two countries, the State Minister stressed.

“As we reflect upon our past, it is imperative to recognize the fundamental principles that have guided our partnership at its core. Ethiopia and the US have been characterized by a shared commitment to economic development, prosperity, maintenance of national regional stability and promotion of democracy and human rights,” he noted.

The fight against terrorism and security cooperation is a key area to the bilateral relation between Ethiopia and the US, Ambassador Mesganu indicated.

Mesganu further underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to the maintenance of peace and security in the horn of Africa as indispensable and one of the key spheres to collaborate with the US.

He added: “Fighting terrorism in the horn of Africa is an important aspect of our relationship and strengthening it requires a new impetus.”

US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga said on his part that the relation with Ethiopia has been one of the longest and closest in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The two countries share deep people-to-people bonds, he stated, adding that over the years we have cooperated and supported each other on a wide-range of fields.

“We have worked together for decades to fight terrorism in the horn of Africa and we will continue to do so,” Ambassador Massinga reaffirmed.

The two countries cooperate in various fields that benefit both nations including health, education, agriculture, food security, science, and the environment.

The first diplomatic mission from the United States arrived in Addis Ababa on December 22, 1903.

Local newswire service ENA reported that the delegation was led by envoy Robert P. Skinner, it was indicated.