Senator Jim Inhofe affirms his continued support to Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, June 24, 2022 (FBC) – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the US Seleshi Bekele (Ph.D.) held talks with Senator Jim Inhofe on June 23, 2022, at his office in Washington DC.

Ambassador Seleshi, while appreciating the Senator Inhofe’s support to the causes of Ethiopia, briefed him on the current socio-economic and political developments in Ethiopia, and the government’s effort to address the humanitarian assistance for the people affected by the conflict in Northern Ethiopia, as well as natural disasters.

He also explained to the senator about the measures the Ethiopian Government took with regard to accountability for events that took place during the conflict and the AU-led peacebuilding initiatives.

The Ambassador also briefed the Senator about the counter-productive nature of the draft bills (HR 6600 and S-3199) tabled at the US Congress as well as the negative effects of suspending Ethiopia from the AGOA privileges on low-income people, particularly women who are employed in the textile and apparel sector.

The Senator, on his part, expressed that he has a clear picture of what was happening on the ground with regard to the conflict in Ethiopia.

He also alluded to the current Ethiopian government’s efforts in political and economic liberalization, and that the decision to suspend Ethiopia from benefiting from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as well as the draft bills are not helpful as Ethiopia is a long-time ally and partner to the US in the region.

Senator Inhofe also promised to work closely with the Ambassador for more fruitful engagements between the two countries.