Ethiopian delegation holds discussion with Bahrain officials

Addis Ababa, March 6, 2020 (FBC) –An Ethiopian delegation led by Birtukan Ayana, State Minister of Foreign Affair, met yesterday with Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain.

During the discussion, Birtukan requested the Bahrain Government to arrange conditions for the opening of Ethiopian consulate general in the capital Manama.

The State Minister also asked Bahrain to provide residence and work permits to undocumented Ethiopian migrants and finalize on-going memorandum of understanding (MoU) for hiring Ethiopian workers.

After commending the Government of Bahrain for its efforts to protect the rights of Ethiopians, Birtukn also raised her concern over the recent imprisonment of those who had residence permits.

Moreover, the State Minister requested Bahrain to give recognition to place of worship established by Ethiopians and community school to be opened for Ethiopian children.

Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa Al Khalifa pledged to provide response for all questions raised by the Ethiopian side after holding consultations with pertinent Bahrain government officials.

She added Bahrain in keen to sign soon the visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders and strengthen its trade, investment and tourism ties with Ethiopia.

The two also discussed on how to further cement the relationships between the two nations.