Ethiopia Upholds Freedom of Press:  Foreign Affairs Ministry

Addis Ababa May 3/2024 (ENA) Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ethiopia upholds the freedom of the press which must be exercised and protected within the confines of the rule of law.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia issued a press release today on the Joint Statement released by European Union delegation and some Embassies in Addis Ababa on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

The Ministry underlined in its statement that such a manner of conducting relations with the host state is unhelpful and discordant with acceptable bilateral diplomatic norms and practices.  

It said Ethiopia upholds the freedom of the press. This right must be exercised and protected within the confines of the rule of law. 

Ethiopia values the unprecedented growth of traditional and digital media outlets in the country demonstrating the full enjoyment of this fundamental right, it added.

Ethiopia welcomes constructive engagement with partners and all stakeholders, the ministry noted stating that resorting to paternalistic joint statements is unhelpful for bilateral relations and undermines the rule of law in the country. 

Such a manner of conducting relations with the host state is unhelpful and discordant with acceptable bilateral diplomatic norms and practices, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Ethiopia underscored.