ADDIS ABABA – The House of People’s Representatives (HPR) lauded the diplomatic achievements accomplished to secure and promote the national interests of the country over the last six months. Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the HPR evaluated the six month diplomatic performance report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
Presenting the report, Foreign Minister, Workneh Gebeyehu said considerable gains have been attained from the diplomatic efforts over the past six months. He expounded on persuading diplomatic achievements in underpinning relationships with neighboring countries and development partners.
The Ministry prepared 53 agreements to strengthen diplomatic relations with various countries, of which 13 were signed, 23 forwarded to Council of Ministers for approval while legal recommendations was given to the rest.
Members of the Standing Committee raised several questions relating to the biannual performance report of the Ministry and Foreign Minister Workneh responded. The Standing Committee lauded the encouraging achievements of the Ministry in terms of restoring peace with Eritrea and the Horn on top of enhancing development cooperation, and diplomatic relations with several countries.
According to the Standing Committee, works that have been done pertaining to Ethiopian Diaspora and diplomatic relations with different countries so as to scale up financial support were encouraging. However, budget performance, audit findings and cooperative negotiations with Nile initiative countries are among the issues recommended by the standing committee to be addressed.
The Ethiopian Herald January 30/ 2019
(ENA)
