The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnnen met on Thursday, the Ambassador of Switzerland in Ethiopia, Ambassador Tamara Mona.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister commended the longstanding and historical relationship between Ethiopia and Switzerland, according to the information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. He said the two countries should explore the potential for strengthening their relationship by initiating regular political consultations and various trade and investment engagements.
He also briefed the Swiss Ambassador about the current situations in Ethiopia and the peace building initiatives that the government has been undertaking thus far. “Congratulating Switzerland for being elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2023/24, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed hope that the country would, as always, take a balanced and reasonable position on global agenda items,” the statement noted.
The Ambassador of Switzerland, on her part, stressed that her country’s first time membership in the Council would prioritize some agenda items, such as sustainable peace, climate change, the effectiveness of the UN, and protection of the rights of civilians.
The Ambassador expressed her desire that Ethiopia would share its experience with Switzerland as a country that served as a non-permanent member of the Council multiple times. Ambassador Tamara Mona said many Swiss companies are interested to invest in Ethiopia and Switzerland is keen on strengthening its relationship with Ethiopia, particularly in trade and investment, according to the statement.