ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the U.S. , Ambassodor Selshi Bekele (PhD.Eng) discussed with various members of the U.S. Congress on AGOA and contemporary issues of Ethiopia.
Amb. Silesh,on his X page ,stated that he and Rep. John Garamendi discussed issues related to AGOA, possible partnership and Ethiopia’s economic development, potential partnership, humanitarian support and access to food, implementation of peace agreement and ethnically related conflict in some parts of Ethiopia.
Rep. John and his wife Patricia (Patti) served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia from 1966 to 1968, and frequently visited the country since then. Both have deep understanding of Ethiopia’s socio-economic, societal, and cultural challenges and opportunities.
By same token , Amb. Sileshi discussed with Cherfilus-McCormick, a member of the U.S. Congress, about the impact of AGOA exclusion on Ethiopia, including job losses, impact on American investors, livelihood difficulties.
In addition to this, the ongoing ethnic conflicts, the disorganization of some groups are affecting the stability and development of Ethiopia and told the members of the Congress.
While explaining, he mentioned that the impact of AGOA on low-income citizens and it will have on American investors as well.
In addition, the ambassador discussed with Congress member Ami Bara about peace agreement implementation, including Transitional Justice Policy approval, humanitarian support for people in need and refugees, and AGOA’s significance for US-Ethiopia business relations, and Horn of Africa peace etc.
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 5 MAY 2024
