PM Abiy Ahmed met with European diplomatic community

Ambassadors from thirty European countries reportedly pledged continued partnership with Ethiopia

borkena
December 14,2018

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with more than 30 European Ambassadors based in Addis Ababa today, according to a social update from his office.

The purpose of the meeting was to “brief” the diplomatic community about the ongoing “change” in Ethiopia. The ambassadors reportedly labeled the reform measures taken since Abiy Ahmed came to power as “progressive.”

“The Ambassadors of more than 30 European countries that met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on December 14, 2018, welcomed the progressive steps taken over the past months in Ethiopia under the Prime Minister’s premiership,” says the update from the Prime Minister’s office.

Measures that particularly were seen in positive lights include the release of political prisoners, press freedom and foreign policy that contributed to “stability” in the region. Gains in the area of freedom of expressions are significant. Unlike the case in the past, Ethiopia is now a country with no journalists behind bar.

Ambassadors of EU members and non-members alike reportedly affirmed commitment to sustainable partnership with Ethiopia.

In a related development, Abiy Ahmed met today with Philippe Le Houérou, CEO of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). He reportedly commended IFC for support including “advisory and access to finance programs.” Mr. Le Houérou on his part pledged commitment to enhance advisory services and investment operations in Ethiopia.

Apart from ending state of war with Eritrea and making the region relatively peaceful than it was, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration has achieved some notable diplomatic successes. They are manifested in the form of financial and political support, among other things, from western and from Middle Eastern countries.

The relationship with countries in the Middle East which brought about billions of dollars of investment to the country, however, brought about skepticism among Ethiopians.

Domestically, his administration has become a popular one although raging ethnic violence in different parts of the country is turning out to be a major obstacle triggering doubts if the “change” is safe.



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