US diplomat highlights Ethiopia’s key role in regional security and partnership

Addis Ababa, December 20, 2024 (FMC) – Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Addis Ababa, Naomi Fellows said United States relation with Ethiopia is one of the most critical areas in Africa underscoring the country’s pivotal role in the security and stability of the region.

In an exclusive interview with the ENA, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission said for the United States, Ethiopia is a key player in Africa, not only because of its location, size and the size of its economy within the region of the Horn of Africa, but for all of Africa.

Ethiopia is central because of its long diplomatic history in the region, in the fight against terrorism and instability in the region, she underlined.

“Ethiopia itself as a country contributes a great deal to the African continent.  As such, we find it a very important partner for our work, not only with the Horn of Africa, but throughout the African region, and as such, for us, it’s important that Ethiopia be prosperous, secure, peaceful and stable.”

She explained that United States is actively collaborating with Ethiopia on various issues, including education, health, and humanitarian assistance, in other social, cultural and economic aspects.

“A lot of our partnerships focus not just on relations in terms of working together on diplomatic efforts throughout the Horn of Africa region, but also focus a great deal on working with Ethiopia in order to ensure that it’s an economically secure and strong country, which is why we supported the IMF World Bank agreement and many of the macroeconomic reforms that are being implemented as a result of that agreement,” Fellows elaborated.

Recognizing Ethiopia’s significant potential for investment, she noted that several American businesses are operating in Ethiopia.

Fellows mentioned the longstanding relationship between Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines working together on industrial and technical development for the growth of the aviation sector within Ethiopia.

The Acting Deputy Chief of Mission also affirmed that United States will continue to work with Ethiopia to ensure peace and stability in the whole of Africa.

She underscored Ethiopia’s pivotal role in the security and stability of the region is central.

“It is absolutely central, not just geographically, but also absolutely central because of its long history, its long diplomatic history in the region, because of its long history working to fight the scrooges of counter terrorism and instability in the region. So it’s an absolute partner that we could not work on any of these issues without.”