The recently appointed US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOA) Mike Hammer, and Russia Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, are set to arrive Addis Ababa, Ethiopia today.
As part of his regional visit, he also visited Egypt, and expected to travel to the United Arab Emirates as well, according to the information from the United States Department.
“He will provide U.S. support toward forging a diplomatic resolution to issues related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) that would achieve the interests of all parties and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous region. In Addis Ababa, Ambassador Hammer will also consult with the African Union, under whose auspices GERD talks occur,” the statement said.
“In addition, while in Ethiopia, Special Envoy Hammer will have an opportunity to review progress on delivery of humanitarian assistance, and accountability for human rights violations and abuses as well as efforts to advance peace talks between the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan authorities. The United States remains committed to advancing diplomatic efforts in support of an inclusive political process towards lasting peace, security, and prosperity for all people in Ethiopia,” it said.
In a related development, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is also expected to visit Ethiopia today. During his stay in Ethiopia, he will meet high-level government officials to discuss the longstanding and historical relationship between the two countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. The Minister and the Ethiopian officials will also review the status of the previously signed agreements between the two countries.
“Besides Ethiopia, the Russian Foreign Minister is slated to visit Egypt, Uganda and the Republic of the Congo. It is to be recalled that Mr. Sergey Lavrov visited Ethiopia in March 2018, signing agreements in various sectors to boost bilateral relations,” the Ministry said.
Reports show that Mr. Sergey Lavrov, has also visited Egypt and also expected to visit Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is recalled that after the outbreak of the Russian and Ukraine war, the two major powers of the world have been at loggerheads. Including China, the second largest economy in the world, many super powers have been trying to expand their military presence in the Horn of Africa to advance their respective geopolitical and national interests in the sub-region.