IGAD is honored to be invited by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to observe this year’s general elections and the organization is pleased to continue to work with the people of Kenya, electoral institution, political leaders, and other observer missions to advance the democratization process. We are also honored that Dr. Mulatu Teshome will lead the IGAD election observer mission. He’s a well-respected statesman and a distinguished diplomat, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD.
The new administration in Somalia has given peace the topmost priority and that it would continue to cooperate with Ethiopia in this regard. I stress that the partnership of the two countries should be strengthened in the efforts to destroy the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. In order to further solidify relations between the two nations, an agreement has been reached to hold bilateral joint commission meeting, which was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, acting foreign minister of Somalia, Balal Mohamed Osman.
I am delighted that Somalia has held successful elections and formed its government. I highlight that Ethiopia and Somalia should step up their efforts, particularly in the fight against terrorism, as well as cooperating various areas in which the governments of the two countries should have to work, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonen.
Ethiopia has fully supported the fight against apartheid oppression in Namibia. Ethiopia had presented the issue of Namibia to the United Nations which has greatly contributed to the strengthening of the struggle of the Namibian people. Namibia is interested in expanding existing relations in various fields, so said, Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations Netumbo Nandi during a Diplomatic and Political Dialogue Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Namibia in Lusak, Zambia on the sideline of Ordinary Session of the Executive Council.
Finland supports the ongoing national consultation aimed at bringing peace to Ethiopia. Ethiopia must maintain its own peace in order to maintain its leadership in the region. Finland would appreciate the resumption of humanitarian aid by land and air to the Tigray region. Ethiopian and Finnish parliaments will work to strengthen parliamentary relations. The appointment of the Special Representative was a signal of Finland’s commitment to a peaceful resolution to regional conflicts and to strengthening ties with East African countries, the Foreign Ministry said at the time, Finnish Parliament’s Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Sultan Saeed Ahmed.
The Ethiopian Herald July 16/2022
