FM Gedion Stresses Need to Capitalize Historic Opportunity of National Dialogue

Addis Ababa, January 22, 2025 (ENA)—Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos has stressed the need to properly utilize the historic national dialogue process that happens once in generations in Ethiopia to pave the way for national consensus.

The House of Peoples’ Representatives held the Second Parliamentary Citizens Forum today with the theme "National Consensus for Dependable Peace and Prosperity".

Presenting a paper entitled “The Role of National Consensus in Shaping Ethiopia’s Future,” Gedion said the national dialogue process is a historic opportunity in Ethiopia which happens once in generations. 

Stressing the need to exert maximum efforts to properly utilize opportunities, he said that reaching national consensus through national dialogue is a process that will be carried out in due course of time.

For the minister, working towards inclusiveness will also make the national dialogue process reliable through engaging all stakeholders.

Stating the importance of huge commitment from all stakeholders to achieve set objectives, the minister added that national consensus is imperative to ensure political stability and economic growth in the country.

Addressing the forum, National Dialogue Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya affirmed that Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission embraces all actors equally, including all nations and nationalities, all political parties, and all religions, among others.

For the chief commissioner, the national dialogue is a process which takes time depending on the nature of issues.

He called on all pertinent stakeholders to further boost their share for success of the national dialogue.

Government Chief Whip at the House of Peoples’ Representatives Tesfaye Beljige on his part stressed the need to capitalize on shared values of the nation’s long-standing history, culture of tolerance, and conflict resolving mechanisms.

The Historic Adwa Victory and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) vividly portray the unity of Ethiopians both in defending and building their beloved nation together, he said.

He also reaffirmed the continued commitment of the government to resolve all issues through dialogue.

The establishment of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission is one of the manifestations of the government's commitment, will and action for inclusive dialogue, he further pointed out.  

The forum was attended by members of HPR, policymakers, scholars and representatives of the general public, among others.