Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen, met today with the Foreign Ministers of Germany, Mrs. Annalena Baerbok, and France, Mrs. Catherine Colonna.
In a briefing to the press, Mr. Demeke stated that the visit of the two foreign ministers is a demonstration of friendship to Ethiopia and has provided opportunities to further discuss bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of common interest.
He stated that Ethiopia, Germany, and France have committed to collaborate and strengthen their ties, particularly in the areas of development and humanitarian assistance, accordign to the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. “Their discussion, according to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, noted the progress of rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in war-affected areas and the all-round support from partners.”
“Similarly, Mrs. Annalena Baerbok, Foreign Minister of Germany, lauded the reforms implemented in Ethiopia in recent years and reaffirmed a scaled-up cooperation with Germany, France, and the EU in general.”
“She further added that Germany, France, and the EU look forward to cooperating in the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, as well as in reconstructing and rehabilitating conflict-affected areas.”
In a similar vein, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Catherine Collina, stated that the first of its kind, the Franco-German visit, demonstrates that the two countries want to build strategic partnerships with Ethiopia.
“She underscored that France, Germany, and the EU are ready to support the AU-led peace process and reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Ethiopia.”
It’s to be recalled that the foreign minister of China also paid a visit to Ethiopia over the past two days, pledging to support the Peace Process and attending the completion ceremony for the project of the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention Headquarters in Addis Ababa.