The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has commended the implementation of peace agreement that was signed between the federal government and the TPLF to end a two-year long war.
In his briefing to the local and international media, Spokesperson of Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Meles Alem said that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen had fruitful discussion with Antony Blinken today.
The two sides held in-depth discussions on bilateral, regional and mutual interests as Ethiopia and United States of America have along-aged and multifaceted ties, the spokesperson indicated.
During the discussion, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken realized that the implementation of the cessation of hostilities by Ethiopia is commendable.
He further appreciated the delivery of humanitarian assistance following the peace agreement was signed in Pretoria, South Africa between the federal government and TPLF in early November 2022.
“Antony Blinken recommended the implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement signed to promote peace and stability in Ethiopia. He also recommended again the humanitarian support, provisions of social services, efforts being carried out on issues of accountability and among others,” Meles noted.
Blinken has also expressed the readiness of US government to provide the necessary support for the effective implementation of the peace agreement.
Speaking on the diplomatic relationships between Ethiopia and the US, the secretary of state expressed the commitment of President Joe Biden to consolidate bilateral relations of the two countries, according to the spokesperson.
“On bilateral issues, he explained the commitment of his government to deepen the traditional ties between Ethiopia and the US in the political, economical and social spheres. The two sides (Demeke and Blinken) discussed about regional issues like the peace and stability in Somalia and humanitarian issues in Somaliland as well following the current conflict.”
According to him “Secretary of State Blinken also appreciated Ethiopia’s generosity to welcome hundred thousands of refugees flowing to Ethiopia following the conflict in Somaliland.”
On his part, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen explained to the Secretary about the Government of Ethiopia’s efforts to maintain the AU-led trilateral talks between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on the Grand Ethiopian Renassiance Dam (GERD) talks.
He also briefed the Secretary about the endeavors being underway to fight against terrorism in Somalia, put relations with Sudan on a positive trajectory, and provide support for peace in South Sudan.
Their discussion on economic issues touched also on the importance of supporting Ethiopia’s economic reform in the context of mitigating and adapting to climate change, and rehabilitating and reconstructing infrastructure in the Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regional states.
Meles also said the two sides remarked on the positive development of the Cessation of Hostilities and the AU-led Disarmament, Demobilization, and Rehabilitation process, and the work of the Ethiopian Rehabilitation Commission.
In connection with that, the spokesperson said, the two parties discussed the formation of the interim regional administration in the Tigray Region and the ongoing nationwide consultations on Transitional Justice policy that will bring about accountability and redress for victims.
Source: Ethiopian news Agency