ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu (Ph.D.) said the peace, security, and development of the wider region of IGAD member states would benefit from more cooperation, not competition.
During the 46th Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers in Djibouti yesterday, Workneh, who is also Chair of IGAD said “The absence of an organized and inclusive regional mechanism for dialogue and cooperation around the Red Sea impedes progress on a wide range of issues, including economic integration and regional peace and security.”
The agenda items of the session also covered the reform of the structure and treaty of IGAD. Speaking of the restricting of IGAD, he said, “I cannot think of a better time than today to realize the restructuring of IGAD so that it can capitalize on the robust situation in our region to bring the most needed Peace, Stability and Prosperity”
Dr. Workneh also underlined that the future of the region lies in a commitment to stability and security for all people, as well as inclusive and sustainable growth and economic integration at the regional level.
The meeting underlined the importance of expediting the endorsement of the proposed treaty and structure to reform IGAD, and decided that there is a need for enriched and continued discussion on the organizational structure and treaty of IGAD until the next ordinary sessions of the policy organs.
It also underscored the need for a collective approach to challenges in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden by strengthening regional cooperation and establishing a regional platform for the IGAD Member States with a view to promoting dialogue with other stakeholders including the AU and other international partners, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ethiopian Herald, February 28/2019
