MoFA Attributes Successful Diplomacy to National Reform

Addis Ababa ENA  July 26/2019 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stated today that its performance last Ethiopian budget year has improved because of the reform measures taken by the government.

Briefing the media, State Minister Hirut Zemene said Ethiopia has succeeded in its diplomatic efforts and initiatives with neighboring African and Middle East countries.

She cited relations with Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan in particular.

“We consider neighboring countries above other strategic partners because these bring about cooperation, mutual benefit and economic integration,” Hirut noted.

State Minister Aklilu Hailemikael said activities related to economic diplomacy and consulate offices services were successful.

He noted that 168 business forums were held over the year, 1,150 foreign companies visited  the country and 225 got licenses for investments.

According to him, “some 27,704 Ethiopian prisoners were released and repatriated from abroad. It has also facilitated the repatriation of 112,615 citizens with no residence permits in cooperation with other organizations.”

State Minister Markos Tekle stated on his part that Ethiopia’s political, economic, security and technical support from Europe, America, Asia and Australia have been elevated following the reform.

The ministry has facilitated the inflow of financial resources from these countries, with many international agreements signed.

He said domestic measures such as the revision of repressive laws, widening of the political space and improvements in human rights have contributed to the support.

Relations with U.S, China, France, Italy and Germany, were, for instance, reactivated following the reform in the country.

The revision of foreign policy of the country is also a crucial step to enhance diplomatic relations with countries, Markos underlined.

It is also to be recalled that the Ministry had undertaken reform in assigning diplomats for foreign services based on their merits and professional experiences.

Ethiopia has about 45 embassies and 15 consulate offices abroad.