ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia would continue its efforts to contribute on durable bases to ensure peaceful navigation on the high seas, said Foreign Affairs Minister.
Speaking at the79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie said that maritime insecurity in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean is a concern for Ethiopia. With over 120 million population significant maritime trade Ethiopia entirely depends on the safe and secure maritime activity in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. The region is threatened by conflicts, piracy and other illicit activities.
Over the years, Ethiopia has played an instrumental role in combating the cause of insecurity. “We also continue our efforts to work with other neighbor to contribute on durable basis to ensure peaceful navigation on the high seas. “We see a great need to chart a new path for inclusive maritime security engagement with equal participation of countries with stakes on both sides of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.”
Furthermore, terrorism continues to be a grave threat to the peace and security of the Horn of Africa. The growing rise of violent extremist groups like Al-Shabab and its international and internal affiliates have continued their vicious attacks against civilians and security of the region.
The region has reached a milestone in degrading terrorism owing to the resilience of the people of Somalia and the sacrifices of the sons and daughters of Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, and my country Ethiopia, he said.
The authorization of the Security Council and the international finance for the African Union Peace Support operation has indeed played an instrumental role. “I am confident the government of Somalia will soon reckon with and recognize the sacrifices we made to Somalia’s liberation from the grip of terrorist groups. Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland is based on existing political dispensation in Somalia.” He added.
“Our objective is shared growth and prosperity in the region. Similar agreements have been concluded by other states and there is no reason for Somalia to incite hostility that obviously intends to cover internal political tensions. “I therefore reject the unfounded allegations leveled against my country. Ethiopia’s name can never be associated with any one of the allegations. I rather call upon the government of Somalia to join hands to eliminate terrorist groups that are causing mayhem on the people of the region.”
The recent maneuvers of actors from outside the Horn of Africa region undermine these efforts. Nevertheless, Ethiopia will not be deterred from its resolute commitment to combating terrorism.He called upon these actors to immediately stop their reckless actions.
He also called on the international community to recognize the imminent risk originating from these irresponsible acts and to take concrete measures to prevent the loss of hard-won gains in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
He reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to the maintenance of global peace and security and upholding multilateralism
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
The Ethiopian Herald September 29/2024
