Deputy PM & FM Holds Telephone Conversation With Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud

Addis Ababa, May 17, 2023 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen had a telephone conversation with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia.

The two sides exchanged views on a number of issues of mutual concern.

They agreed to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries, including regarding Ethiopians residing in Saudi Arabia.

The conversation also included an exchange of views on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to help the parties in Sudan reach a negotiated settlement.

Demeke commended the Sudanese sides, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United States of America for their joint efforts in facilitating the signing of the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment.

Demeke also assured the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia of Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting Sudan in reaching a peaceful settlement through a Sudanese-owned process.

Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Demeke reiterated to the Foreign Minister the need to respect and support the African Union-facilitated trilateral negotiations.

He cautioned that any pronouncement by the League of Arab States on this matter of great importance to Ethiopia and the rest of Africa must not be counterproductive to the trilateral negotiations.