Ties with US crucial for regional peace, says Ethiopia’s Meles

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

February 25, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi called on the United States to continue its role in ensuring peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region, an official from the ministry of foreign affairs said Thursday.

While conferring with visiting US delegation led by the Oklahoma senator James M. Inhofe in Addis Ababa on Thursday, the Ethiopian premier said US cooperation towards ensuring peace and stability in the region is significant.

He further noted that the strong ties between the two countries are important to curb threats and insecurity.

Prime Minister Meles stressed that US support should be continued to ensure dependable peace and security in the volatile region of East Africa.

The two sides discussed on the current situation in Somalia, concerns of piracy as well as issues regarding Sudan.

The US Senator lauded Ethiopia’s support for the peaceful completion of South Sudan’s referendum on independence. The South voted overwhelmingly to separate from the north and will become fully independent in July.

He further commended the relentless efforts the East African nation’s attempts to ensure durable peace and stability in Sudan and in the region at large.

The two countries have also held discussions on a number of bilateral issues.

(ST)