Ethiopia, U.S. to consolidate dev’t, counter-terrorism cooperation

Addis Ababa, January 16, 2016 (FBC) – The United States (U.S.) has praised Ethiopia’s foremost role to bring peace and stability both in South Sudan and Somalia.

A U.S. delegation led by Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, held talks with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn here today.

The support from the U.S. government is vital for Ethiopia’s continued role to produce peace in the region, the Premier told the delegation.

Close collaboration between the US and Ethiopia is needed to improve peace and security in Somalia and South Sudan, Hailemariam said.

The two said discussed on the importance of joint efforts to totally demolish the weakening terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, Ambassador Taye Atskeselassie, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, who attended the talks told ENA.

The Premier, who praised U.S. government’s solidarity with Ethiopia in its efforts to mitigate the effect of the El Nino-caused drought, urged the U.S. to carry on its support.

The Premier also briefed members of the delegation on Ethiopia’s investment potentials and the support the U.S. investors will get if they engage in investment here.

The two sides also deliberated on ways of implementing President Barak Obama’s Power Africa, an initiative to double access to electricity across sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, according to Ambassador Taye.

Chairman Ed Royce, on his part lauded Ethiopia’s leading role to bring peace and stability in East Africa, South Sudan and Somalia in particular.

The U.S. government will consolidate its development and counter-terrorism cooperation with Ethiopia, he added.

According to Royce, President Obama’s last year visit to Ethiopia shows the strength of partnership between both countries.

Chairman Ed Royce also praised Ethiopia’s role to bring the South Sudan’s rival factions to the current promising peace agreement through coordinating the international community.

Royce finally pledged to support Ethiopia’s response to the El Nino induced drought.