Ethiopian Deputy Primer and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen expressed his appreciation for South Africa’s role in the African Union-led peace process that helped to end the conflict in northern Ethiopia.
South Africa hosted the main talks that the Federal Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) held for nine days in Pretoria.
The talks eventually led to the signing of a cessation of hostilities agreement on November 2, paving the way for restoring peace, security and stability in the country’s north.
Today, Foreign Minister Demeke and his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor held discussions on implementing the Peace deal in Addis Ababa.
During a working dinner, his office says the Ethiopian top diplomat “expressed his gratitude to the government of South Africa for facilitating and supporting the Peace Agreement.”
The government, he said, is committed to implementing the agreement and called on the international community to support the rehabilitation efforts.
In response, Pandor said South African is proud to be a part of the Ethiopian peace process, stating her country’s readiness to further support the implementation of the peace deal.
She added the maxim African Solutions to African Problems should go beyond solving conflicts and be implemented in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
South Africa is interested in assisting rehabilitation efforts, particularly in the education sector, as per the Minister.
The two foreign ministers met ahead of an official recognition program for those who have contributed to the silencing gun in northern Ethiopia.
