February 4, 2023 (ADDIS ABABA/KHARTOUM) -The State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arega and Sudanese Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Defalla Elhaj Ali discussed on Friday bilateral relations and regional issues of mutual concern.
In the discussion, Ambassador Mesganu Arega commended the longstanding people-to-people relations that exist between Ethiopia and Sudan.
He said that the recent visit of Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, to the Republic of Sudan aimed to show solidarity and empathy for the people and Government of Sudan since the two countries shared history, values, a common destiny, and a desire for peace and development.
Ambassador Mesganu told the Sudanese Ambassador that the Ethiopian Government understands Khartoum’s concerns regarding its suspension by the African Union, and in this regard, the Ethiopian Government will follow all mechanisms and tools in place for the continental body to reinstate Sudan’s membership in the Union.
Ali is in Addis Ababa for talks with the members of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to lift the suspension of Sudan’s membership in the regional bloc, which was decided after the coup d’état of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in October 20121.
Ambassador Mesganu highlighted that the Ethiopian Government is committed and ready to resume the bilateral engagement in the ministerial joint commission, working together to strengthen IGAD, the border joint commission, cooperation in GERD, peace and security, and fighting illegal trade and organized crime along the shared border.
On his part, Ambassador Defalla Elhaj Ali appreciated the visit of Prime Minister Abiy to Khartoum and his discussions with all political groups regarding the political framework agreement. He also said that the Sudanese people in general were pleased with the solidarity shown and the stands taken by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed regarding Sudan’s political crisis.
Finally, Ambassador Mesganu added that, in the Ethiopian government’s view, the existence of differences between the two governments could only be resolved through dialogue, discussion, and negotiation and that no other means should be pursued to find an amicable solution.
(ST)
