Ethiopia, WFP pledge to scale up cooperation

Addis Ababa, December 13, 2023 (FBC) – Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, held a fruitful discussion with Assistant Executive Director of the World Food Program (WFP), Valerie Guarnieri, today in Geneva, Switzerland.

On the margins of the second edition of the Global Refugee Forum that is taking place in Geneva, both sides have agreed to further expedite humanitarian support operations in Ethiopia, utilizing the revamped aid distribution system.

Mr. Demeke lauded WFP for resuming aid delivery in Ethiopia and assured that the Government has put in place prudent,transparent, effective, and accountable systems to ensure aid reaches only those who need it.

The Assistant Executive Director, on her part, said the words of the Ethiopian Government were in line with the actions on the ground in reforming an effective aid distribution system. In this regard, she commended the Ethiopian Government for its continued collaboration and very strong commitment.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of sustainable development programs to address challenges related to food insecurity and highlighted the Green Legacy Initiative, national wheat programs, and nutrition and food systems that are under successful implementation.

The WFP Executive Director finally said that WFP is determined to build strong relations and be part of Ethiopia’s success stories, per MFA Ethiopia.