Minister
Tedros urges Ethiopians to stand united to promote national interest
14th January 2013, LONDON
Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Tedros
Adhanom called on the Ethiopian Diaspora to stand in unison to promote national
interest irrespective of political persuasions. While celebrating diversity
that glorifies Ethiopia as a melting pot of cultures and history of nations and
nationalities, he underlined the need for resilience and sense of unity in
safeguarding and promoting Ethiopia’s national interest to bequeath a
prosperous and viable Ethiopia to posterity.
He
appreciated that there could be differences in opinions but underlined the
instrumentality of discussions to overcome them and achieve our development
objectives to boost collective and equitable gains at all levels.
Addressing the gathering, he said Ethiopia is
on the right track to achieve the Five Year Growth and Transformation Plan with
a great sense of commitment and public ownership. He urged for intensified
engagement on the part of Diaspora Ethiopians in the implementation of mega
projects including the Renaissance Dam, railway networks and sugar factories
which are now gaining momentum.
The
Ethiopian Government is also focused on delivering on its promises on good
governance, building of democratic institutions and expansion of education and
health facilities as well as infrastructure development, crucial for the
emerging economy to thrive.
Following
remarks by the Minister, members of the various development and professional
associations, community and religious leaders expressed satisfaction over the
performance of the Government in the pursuit of its development objectives and
pledged more support to see all the schemes through, actively involving in
trade, investment and tourism as well as knowledge and technology transfer.
A participant and a representative of the
Ethiopian Somali Diaspora, Mr. Nuur Hussien appreciated Government performance
in effecting a peaceful and democratic transition following the demise of the
Great Leader, the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and called on compatriots to
remain seized in the on-going development plans. He expressed satisfaction
looking at all nations and nationalities represented at the meeting.
In an open
discussion that followed, a number of questions pertaining to housing, Eritrea,
peace and security in the sub-region, food security, human trafficking,
investment privileges given to members
of the Ethiopian Diaspora community, etc. were raised to which the
Minister gave explanations and elaborate replies.
Answering to
a query on Eritrea, the Minister reiterated Ethiopia’s unwavering stance for
peace and noted that the Eritrean regime has remained adamant and refused to
refrain from its disruptive role in the region and still continue to sponsor
rebel groups and terrorists.
Ethiopia,
committed to peace and stability as well as strengthening regional economic
cooperation is working in tandem with members of the IGAD group, the African
Union and the international community at large. Cognizant of the structural
link between peace and development, Ethiopia, alongside partners, is working
for the furtherance of peace with governments in Somalia, South Sudan and the
Republic of Sudan.
Earlier, in
an introductory remark at the meeting, H.E. Berhanu Kebede, Ambassador to the
UK and the Scandinavian countries, called on compatriots to remain seized and
engaged in all sectors of endeavour so that Ethiopia’s bid for prosperity could
come true, changing for the better, the living conditions of Ethiopians in all
walks of life.
The Minister was
presented with a bouquet of flowers from women members of the Ethiopian Somali
Diaspora and received a tumultuous welcome at the meeting convened at the
Ethiopian Embassy in London on 12th January 2013.
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