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Addis Ababa March 9, 2021 (Walta)– The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, received in his office the United States Ambassador to Ethiopia, Geeta Pasi.
The two sides praised the long-standing and fraternal relationship that exists between Ethiopia and the United States.
Noting the multifaceted relationship between the two countries, particularly on education, health and safety issues, they underscored the need to expand it with broader commitments.
Ambassador Geeta said Ethiopia is the United States’ focal point in the region and called for working together for peace and security.
The deputy prime minister took the opportunity to brief the US ambassador on the genesis of the police operation in the Tigray region.
He said that all the belligerent and intransigent actions of the TPLF group left the federal government with no choice but to carry out the campaign to end impunity and restore law and order in the region.
Demeke’s briefing included situations after the active phase of the law enforcement campaign that required the launch of massive rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts by the government.
Explaining the current situations, he reiterated that humanitarian workers and journalists have been given unhindered access in the region and that many are working on the ground.
In this regard, he said that the government has covered 70% of the delivery of food and non-food items to around 3.8 million people in the region so far.
He expressed his hope that unimpeded access to humanitarian support in the region will be followed by broad support from the international community.
