PM Hailemariam confers with US government officials

Addis Ababa, September 21, 2016 (FBC) –On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn conferred with US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Dr. Shannon Smith.

The discussion was mainly focused on ways of building sustainable peace in the horn of Africa and enhancing Ethiopia’s role in the region, Girma Biru, Ethiopian Ambassador to the US, who attended the discussion, told ENA.

Prime Minister Hailemariam on the occasion reaffirmed Ethiopia’s continued commitment to bring peace and stability in both Somalia and South Sudan, the Ambassador said.

Right after the outbreak of fighting in South Sudan, Ethiopia has been exerting efforts to bring the two rival groups into negotiation, the Premier told the US officials. Moreover, the country has been discharging its responsibility of clearing the region from Al-Shabaab threat, he said.

The Premier also briefed the US officials on the efforts being made to resolve the conflicts occurred in some parts of the country. He gave them detailed explanation on the remedial measures being taken by the government after identifying the cause of the conflict, Ambassador Girma said.

According to Ambassador Gima, the US government supports Ethiopia’s efforts to bring peace in the Horn of Africa in particular and the whole Africa in general. The US officials also appreciated Ethiopia’s approach to resolve the conflicts occurred in some parts of the country.