Our partnership with AfDB vital to Ethiopia’s food sovereignty endeavors: PM

Addis Ababa, January 19, 2024 (FBC) – Our partnership with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is essential to Ethiopia’s food sovereignty endeavors, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) asserted.

The Premier through a post published on X (formerly Twitter) noted reiterated the commitment of his government to deepening relations with AfDB. “We remain committed to strengthening our relations through the support of my brother President of the Bank, Akinwumi A. Adesina.”

Following the decision to normalize cooperation between the two parties, the Office of the Prime Minister asserted, “The government welcomes the decision of the AfDB to normalize relations following mutual efforts made in resolving a diplomatic incident. Building upon our relations, we are confident that our multifaceted cooperation will continue delivering great results.”

Meanwhile, in an official statement released today, AfDB noted that it will now resume its normal operations in Ethiopia following the discussion between Prime Minister Abiy and the Bank’s president Akinwumi A. Adesina. AfDB mentioned that it is looking forward to a more reinvigorated partnership with the Government of Ethiopia.

Recall that the Prime Minister is participating in the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Kampala, Uganda.

In his remarks at the Summit, the Ethiopian Prime Minister articulated that landlocked countries face insurmountable challenges hindering their ability to fulfill the demands of their people for adequate and sustained livelihoods and to ensure their development. He reiterated that Ethiopia continues to seek a peaceful and mutually beneficial and negotiated solution to such a challenge.

PM Abiy and his delegation also held a meeting with the President of Kenya William Ruto on the sidelines of the NAM Summit. During their discussion, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and bilateral issues.