ADDIS ABABA- Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew said Ethiopia has a desire to closely work with the African Union and the international community at large to support Sudan’s peaceful power transition as a neighboring and friendly country and also a chair of the regional security body, IGAD.
He made the remarks Sunday in Khartoum when he exchanged views on issues of mutual concern with the Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Military Council, Lt. General Abdul Fattah Al-Burhan and representatives of the Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change.
During the course of the meeting, the Foreign Minister reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to support Sudanese people in the principle of non-interference in Sudan’s internal politics and fully respects the country’s sovereignty.
Sudan’s Transitional Military Council Chairman Lt. General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman for his part admired the support of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and the warm welcome extended to the Council’s delegation during their recent visit to Ethiopia.
The Chairman expressed his belief that the age-old brotherly relations between peoples of Ethiopia and Sudan would be further strengthened regardless of regime changes.
Similarly, Gedu met representatives of the Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change and assured them Ethiopia’s firm stance to respect the decision of Sudanese people and would extend its support on the basis of public’s demand.
The foreign minister advised that the transition period should be inclusive whilst expressed his belief that the people of Sudan have the capacity to solve internal problems by their own capacity.
Gedu also paid a visit to Ethiopian community rehabilitation center and conferred with citizens residing in the center.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office of the Spokesperson, the center provides support for homeless and orphan Ethiopians as well as citizens that need medical assistance.
The minister exchanged views with the center’s administration on the facility’s capability of offering the desired support to citizens.
Noting that the establishment of the center showcases the government’s commitment to ensure citizens’ rights and benefits, he called on the administration to enhance the center’s institutional capacity.
Herald May 7/2019
BY BILAL DERSO
