- Concludes visit to Ethiopia
ADDIS ABABA – U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo advised African countries to liberalize their economies more so as to tackle poverty.
In remarks he delivered at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa before concluding his official visit to Ethiopia and left yesterday, Pompeo said that centralized planning hasn’t worked across the world.
“Look at the failed socialist experiments of years past in Zimbabwe, in Tanzania, and right here in Ethiopia,” Pompeo said “Socialist schemes haven’t economically liberated this continent’s poorest people.”
Recalling that the poverty rate in many African countries remains still too high, he said effective foreign aid can help to alleviate the problem but it’s very unlikely that it will solve it.
Africans should look for entrepreneurs or “for starters”, adding that “government spending often can’t attack the very basis of the problem in in places all across the world, even in America.”
According to him this is not even different for the Asian Tigers. “The Asian Tigers lifted themselves up in a span of just a few decades, because they liberalized and they opened for trade,” he said.
After concluding a two-day visit to Ethiopia, U.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also reaffirmed the United States support for Ethiopia’s effort to build long-term peace and stability.
In his tweet yesterday, Pompeo said “Great to be in Ethiopia and to meet with Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew. The U.S. is proud of the friendship we have enjoyed with Ethiopia for more than a century, and we strongly support Ethiopian efforts to build their country’s long-term peace and stability.”
The Secretary also said he also held “productive discussion” with African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat. “ I look forward to continuing our engagement with the African Union to address security challenges in the region.”
Pompeo also spoke with the Ethiopian Inter-Religious Council about the important role of religious freedom in any democracy. “Ethiopia’s upcoming elections are a crucial moment, and constructive dialogue among the Council’s communities is critical to ensure a peaceful election process.”
Gedu Andargachew yesterday has bid farewell to Pompeo at Bole International Airport upon his departure concluding an official visit to Ethiopia.
During his stay in the country, the Secretary held discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, President Sahle-Work Zewde, FM Gedu , Moussa Faki and other senior Ethiopian Government officials.
The Ethiopian Herald February 20/2020
BY STAFF REPORTER
