- Premier holds working visit to Senegal, Ghana
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and his delegation have paid a working visit to Senegal (September 07) and Ghana (September 08) respectively. He held talks with President Macky Sall of Senegal and President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana on a wide range of issues including bilateral and continental issues of mutual concern.
On his discussion with President Macky Sall in a meeting that included their respective delegations, the two leaders held extensive talks on bilateral and African issues which included common understanding on strengthening partnerships for continental growth and integration.
Abiy noted the visible changes that Senegal has undertaken under the Presidency of H.E. Macky Sall. He shared the need to work together in strengthening continental integration, capitalizing on shared resources and tapping into a young human capital for continental economic prosperity.
On his part, President Macky Sall congratulated Ethiopia for a successful conclusion to the elections and reiterated the commitment to work in close cooperation on a shared vision.
Being thankful for President Macky Sall for the warm reception in Dakar, Abiy Ahmed stated that the relation between the two countries is founded on the spirit of pan-Africanism enabling the establishment of the OAU/AU. “We have agreed to further build on this foundation & work together on African issues,” he tweeted.
Furthermore Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that Ethiopia and Ghana will work closely on bilateral and African issues of common interest. He also appreciated the President the warm welcome. “My appreciation to President Nakufo Addo for receiving my delegation and I at the Presidential Palace in Accra for a discussion on a wide range of issues,” Abiy twitted.
Demeke Mekonnen confers with Dr. Shekhar Mehta, Jean- Pierre Lacroix
H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia discussed with the President of Rotary International, Dr. Shekhar Mehta and United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean- Pierre Lacroixat this week.
During his discussion with Dr. Shekhar Mehta, Demeke said it is in the interest of the Ethiopian government to support Rotary International as the organization works in line with the Ethiopian government’s priority areas.
Demeke Mokonnen also thanked the organization for its efforts to make the COVID-19 vaccine accessible for all.
Dr. Shekhar Mehta, for his part, explained Rotary International’s works in the education sector in eradicating illiteracy and expanding basic education. He said Rotary International also empowers women and provides hygiene items for girls at an affordable price.
The President further recalled the contributions of Rotary International in the health sector, particularly in sanitation works and the campaigns to eradicate polio and smallpox. Rotary International is also crafting and disseminating educational messages for teenagers and the youth to help them develop a positive attitude to the importance of peace, he added.
Dr. Shekhar Mehta finally called on the government of Ethiopia to support the African Rotary Clubs to hold a conference in Addis Ababa next year.
By the same token, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen discusses with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean- Pierre Lacroix at his office.
On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed the significant role of the Ethiopian peace-keeping force in the UN and raised the longstanding history of Ethiopia’s peacekeeping mission.
He said the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abiye (UNISFA) has been playing a very constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in Abiye despite facing various challenges.
He expressed Ethiopia’s disappointment at the recent letter sent by Senator Bob Menedez to the Secretary-General of the United Nations which failed to portray the contribution of Ethiopian peace-keeping forces who are serving to maintain peace and security under the blue helmet. Demeke finally affirmed Ethiopia’s continued support to the UN.
Jean – Pierre Lacroix, for his part, appreciated the role of Ethiopia in the UN peacekeeping mission and expressed the interest to extend the longstanding relations between the UN peacekeeping missions with Ethiopia in the future.
The Scheherazade Foundation agrees to return Ethiopian artifacts to their home
His Excellency Ambassador Teferi Meles, Ethiopian Ambassador to UK, London announced that Ethiopian artifacts, including a Bible, crosses and an Imperial shield, looted at the Battle of Maqdala 1868 are to be returned to Ethiopia.
According to the Ambassador, The Scheherazade Foundation was purchased the items through a UK-based auction house and private dealers.
Speaking on the occasion at a reception held at The Athenaeum Club, Ambassador Teferi Meles thanked The Scheherazade Foundation for their work in acquiring the precious items and renewed calls for museums, collectors & holders of Maqdala 1868 heritage to return them to Ethiopia.
The Scheherazade Foundation CEO, Tahir Shah said he knew what the return of the objects would mean to Ethiopians and that through his Foundation, he hopes to build bridges between the two nations.
The Embassy will make arrangements for the items to be returned to Ethiopia.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD 12 SEPTEMBER 2021
