- GERD talks close to agreement
ADDIS ABABA – Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo vowed to heighten the relations between the two countries.
In media briefing held yesterday, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew said that the two countries have been enjoying longstanding relations, and USA is the strong allies of Ethiopia for a century. Adding that the government of Ethiopia appreciating the US for the commitment and support in negotiating on the issue of the GERD, cooperation in political, economic and other issues, the visit will further deepen the relations, he indicated.
The Secretary also met and discussed with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and President Sahlework Zewdie on joint efforts to promote regional security concurrent to the political and economic reform agenda of Ethiopia. At the same time, he discussed with African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat on the security of the continent.
Pompeo for his part said: “I discussed on matters related to strengthening of the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and the US, continued support and cooperation in different multilateral issues regional matters, as well as the ongoing domestic reform in Ethiopia”.
The reform encourages and drives investors to do business in Ethiopia. Prioritizing economic empowerment is crucial, he added.
Assuring United States’ continued support for the ongoing all-inclusive reforms in Ethiopia, Pompeo said that his government will encourage and provide the required support for its investors aspiring to invest in Ethiopia.
Concerning the Ethiopian GERD, Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew said that by protecting the national interests of the country, the three countries-Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia-will reach to an agreement soon in a manner the three countries benefit, without harming one another.
Pompeo also called on the three countries to reach an agreement with common understanding without harming one another. The US will help the countries to find their own solutions, he added. Furthermore, the two have discussed on regional, continental and global issues.
The Ethiopian Herald February 19/2020
BY HAILE DEMEKE
