COMPILED BY HIZKEL HAILU
Ethiopian Embassy in Cairo holds a press briefing
Ambassador Markos briefed local and International media in Egypt regarding the current situation in Ethiopia, the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Egypt and the ongoing negotiation on GERD
He talked about the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Egypt on the political and economic field. He noted the enormous opportunities available between the two countries to enhance cooperation and underscored the need to address temporary challenges that could affect the success of efforts aimed at utilizing these opportunities.
On GERD negotiation, the Ambassador expressed Ethiopia’s principled position and longstanding commitment to resolve the difference over the GERD through peaceful negotiations. However, unless the Ethiopia’s desire to address the issue is not reciprocated, it would be difficult to have a win-win agreement, the ambassador noted.
On the Current situation in Ethiopia, the Ambassador briefed the media about recent developments and expressed his hope that the media will report based on the realities on the ground than disseminating unsubstantiated and politically motivated misinformation aimed at undermining the government.
To this end, the Ambassador has also expressed the Embassy’s readiness to cooperate with the media.
Ambassador Alemtsehay confers with Ugandan Defense Minister Adolf Kasaija Mwesige
H.E. Alemtsehay Meseret, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Uganda met and discussed with Ugandan Minister of Defense Adolf Kasaijaon bilateral and regional issues.
Ambassador Alemtshay briefed the Minister on the causes and objectives of the law enforcement operation in Tigray and the current status of the humanitarian support in the region which is accompanied by unfettered access to humanitarians.
The Ambassador has also raised the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute where the Sudan side has acted defying the agreement between the two countries to solve border disputes in dialogue using existing mechanisms.
Minister Adolf Kasaija Mwesige, on his part, recalled that Ethiopia, through the victory of Adwa inspired the liberation struggles of many Africans from the yoke of colonialism.
He said the Ethiopian people and government can overcome current challenges and lauded Ethiopia’s efforts to resolve its border issue with Sudan peacefully.
The two sides have also noted that the two countries are working together for peace and stability in the region through the African Union Mission in Somalia (#AMISOM).
Finally, the two sides agreed to implement agreements in the defense sector which needs to be strengthened through cooperation.
Ambassador Mulu Solomon confers with Ms. Nicol Adamcova, Director of the Sub-Saharan Africa Department
H.E. Mulu Solomon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary accredited to the Federal Republic of Germany, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic held a fruitful discussion with Ms. Nicol Adamcová, Director of the Department of Sub-Saharan Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
The discussion was focused on the latest developments on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Border Issue with Sudan, Tigray Region, 6th National Election and Mutually beneficial bilateral matters.
On the occasion, H.E. Ambassador Mulu expressed her gratitude to the Government of the Czech Republic for the recent initiative to the COVID-19 response and regular healthcare services, oxygen production plants, Intensive Care Units (ICU) worth 20 million Birr that strengthens ties and historic friendship.
Regarding the situation in Tigray, the Ambassador underscored that the government’s measure on TPLF spared the Horn from becoming a hotspot for terrorism. She stated that the government was able to provide humanitarian assistance to more than 4.1 million citizens by building the destroyed infrastructures which were destroyed by TPLF.
She also mentioned that the already supplied Aid was 70% covered by the government while 30% was by the International Community and NGOs.
Ambassador Mulu further called for more support from the International Community, as it is about 40 days since unfettered access and unhindered mobility are allowed for Humanitarian agencies in the Tigray region.
She also gave a briefing and expressed Ethiopia’s position on the GERD negotiation and the border conflict with Sudan and stated that Ethiopia always stands for a peaceful and negotiated solution for both cases and requested for the understanding of the benefit of GERD for all and the truth on the ground.
Ms. Adamcová commended the longstanding bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and Czech and expressed the 10 million Czech crown support given by the Czech Republic through UNHCR to ease the burden of the Ethiopian government at the end of last year.
Ms. Adamcova added as the cooperation continued Ethiopia and the Czech Republic have signed MoU for the oxygen production plant, maternity ICU’s and NICU’s worth 20 million Birr.
Ms. Adamcová noted that the personal initiative of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed for reform including the work done to improve women’s role in the Country’s politics and other aspects is impressive.
She stated that Ethiopia has become a champion in empowering women and bringing them to politics. The director also noted that Ethiopia is considered a provider of regional stability.
Consul General of Ethiopia in Istanbul briefs Turkey Flat Steel Import-Export association representatives
H.E. Wondimu Gezahegn, Consul General of Ethiopia in Istanbul, held a discussion on Thursday (April 1) with Mr. Ahmet Soybas, general secretary of Flat Steel Import-Export and Industry Association (YISAD), and Mr. Tuncoy Sergen former President of the Association, about business opportunities in Ethiopia.
The two sides exchanged views on areas of cooperation that the consulate and the association could work on for mutual benefits.
Ambassador Wondimu explained the existing investment and trade opportunities in the steel manufacturing sector in Ethiopia.
A discussion was also made focusing on Ethiopia’s priority areas of investment, the conducive environment for Foreign Direct Investment, Market opportunity, Incentives given by the government, and the government’s commitment towards investment.
The association was founded in 2003 and covers 40% of the steel manufactured in Turkey. It is active in manufacturing steel tubes, steel sheets, pipes, cutting and shaping steel, flat steel products.
Mr. Ahmet for his part expressed the keen interest of the association to extend the steel business in Ethiopia’s market by using innovative production techniques and its superior experience.
The Ethiopian Herald 4 April 2021
