Ethiopia and Libya have enjoyed long-standing ties in political, economic and cultural spheres. The recent talks held between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and his Libyan counterpart, Abdul Hamid Al- Dbeibeh, during the visit paid by the later to Ethiopia gave the two leaders good opportunity to discuss myriads of bilateral and regional issues such as peace and stability, economic cooperation workforce exchange, and other areas of mutual interest, Premier Abiy stated in a message conveyed on his social media page.
Abiy said in his message, “I am pleased to welcome Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Al- Dbeibeh of the State of Libya.”
A statement by the Libyan government’s Hakomitna platform said reactivating the Libyan- Ethiopian High Committee meeting between the two countries, which has not been held since 2004, and the organization of Ethiopian workers in Libya were discussed during a meeting. It said the leaders also held talks about the resumption of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Libya.
As the two countries are members of continental and international organizations, the African Union and the United Nations respectively, rejuvenation of their relationship put them at the right track to foster their contribution for regional, continental and global peace and security.
Ethiopia has registered good track record in participating in international peace keeping missions. From the early days of UN peacekeeping to some of today’s most vital operations, Ethiopian men and women have played an important role in the Organization’s efforts to advance peace in the world’s hot spots. The country’s participation in UN-authorized operations dates back to 1951, as part of the UN multinational force in the Korean War.
Ethiopia is the largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping with over 8,300 uniformed personnel, the vast majority of them serving in Darfur (UNAMID), Abyei (UNISFA) and South Sudan (UNMISS).
In addition, the country has kept up this role in the case of Somalia to maintain sovereignty of the country under African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) protecting it from the threat of al-shabaab. Thousands of Ethiopian troops are still paying sacrifice to safeguard Somalia’s security.
This responsibility Ethiopia has taken to date emanates partly from its interest to make the Horn of African region peaceful and stable and on the other part because of friendship it established with the people of Somalia.
Regional political, social and economic integration that ought to be transformed to continental unity can be practical if only there is prevalence of peace and Ethiopia is taking the lion’s share in this regard. Thus, on top of working on security issues locally, Ethiopia is playing bold role for the realization of regional, continental and global peace.
In order to catch the prosperity it aspires and to achieve mutual growth with the Horn countries, Ethiopia is working on connecting the region with infrastructures like electricity and roads as well as consolidating trade relations. That is why it has established the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration. Joining Ethiopia’s move, for the countries in the region, should be a task not postponed for tomorrow.
Because of its inclusive diplomatic relation, it is working with the countries from all corners of the world whether they are near or far geographically. And the recent discussion held between the Ethiopian and the Libyan prime ministers showcases that the country is walking its talk.
Africa’s second most populous nation and the continents emerging economy, Ethiopia has a big potential and the good will to collaborate with peace loving international community. It is committed to make the east African region peaceful and stable despite challenges that arise from some countries that intentionally ignore and stand against its national interests.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 27 APRIL 2024
