Diplomatic Efforts will Continue to Secure Sea Access: Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla stated that Ethiopia will continue to strengthen diplomatic efforts to secure dependable and secure access to and from the sea. The spokesperson stated that during the weekly media briefing of the Ministry today.

Regarding the recent talks between Ethiopia and Somalia in Ankara, he reiterated the head of Ethiopia’s delegation, Foreign Minister H.E. Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie’s gratitude to the Turkish government for taking the initiative and arranging the talks. Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to hold a third round of talks, the Ambassador said.

Speaking about the steps taken so far to protect Ethiopian migrants in Lebanon, the Spokesperson stated that there is no imminent threat to leave the country. He also stated that the Lebanese government has not asked countries to evacuate their citizens. He did, however, state that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate in Beirut are monitoring the situation in Lebanon, and he advised citizens to exercise caution.

Regarding the arrangements of the new upcoming peacekeeping mission in Somalia, the Spokesperson stated that Ethiopia is closely monitoring the situation as a neighbor, troop contributor and key party for the region’s security and stability. The spokesman explained that as the countries that currently contribute troops to ATMIS are important stakeholders in the matter, their views and concerns should be considered to facilitate smooth transition to any Post-ATMIS mission. He further expressed Ethiopia’s belief that concerned institutions, including the AU and the UN, will ensure the neccessary consultation with all stakeholders including the ATMIS Troop Contributing Countries-TCC and careful deployment to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding and unexpected regional tensions while taking into account relevant Security Council resolutions.