Addis Ababa: Ethiopia will continue strengthening regional integration based on mutual benefits, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ministry Neighboring Countries Affairs Director, Zerihun Abebe told ENA that the country’s foreign policy is primarily focused on establishing peace with neighboring countries and strengthening regional ties.
From this point of view, Ethiopia’s contribution to peace, stability and regional integration is significant, he said.
Among its achievement in this regard is its contribution to the establishment of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) which focuses on development.
Moreover, Ethiopia has been working to strengthen integration with neighboring countries by building infrastructures such as roads and power, among others, the director elaborated.
Zerihun also noted that Ethiopia has cross border trade with almost all neighboring countries.
According to the director, the country has played a major role in bringing peace to Somalia and South Sudan by
implementing the principle of African solutions to African problems.
In Somalia in particular, Ethiopia’s involvement in bringing peace was deep and Ethiopia has contributed greatly to the strengthening and stability of peace.
Highlighting the need to work toward regional integration based on mutual benefits, the director stressed that the resources in Africa and the region could only be developed based on the principle of mutual benefit and give and take approach.
From this point of view, Ethiopia’s major focus is to bring regional connectivity in the Horn of Africa.
Since regional peace and stability are crucial to attain this, Ethiopia has been working on peaceful resolution of conflicts, expansion of infrastructures and strengthening business ties, among others, Zerihun elaborated.
Since the Horn of Africa is linked by natural resources, culture and language, the director emphasized that there is a need to change this opportunity into strong ties and make the region influential.
Source: Ethiopian N
ews Agency