Sudan congratulates Ethiopia on UNSC seat

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

July 3, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – Sudan has congratulated Ethiopia on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council to serve two year term commencing as of January 2017.

Khartoum extended the official congratulatory message through its foreign affairs minister Kemal Seid Ismael who arrived in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on Friday where he met his Ethiopian counterpart Tedros Adhanom.

“Ethiopia’s membership to the United Nations Security Council is important not only to Sudan but also the whole of Africa” said Ismael.

He extended his gratitude to the Republic of Sudan and the whole of Africa for the full support they displayed for Ethiopia to secure a seat in the world’s powerful organ.

The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday elected Ethiopia for membership during an election Session for five non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

Ethiopia secured an overwhelming support from 185 countries out of the 193 UN member states.

The Ethiopian and Sudanese foreign ministers further confer on a range of issues including on ways of further bolstering their bilateral relations.

The Sudanese minister noted that the High-level Joint Commission has started to bear positive development, particularly in the economic domain.

Tedros to his side noted that the ties between the two neighbours are showing advances in political economic, social and cultural frontiers.

Tedros particularly noted the boost in the trade volume and investment flow between Ethiopia and the Republic of Sudan.

The Minister further expressed his hopes that the upcoming High-level Joint Commission meeting between the two neighbouring countries would further strengthen the bilateral ties.

Mean while Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Dessalegn, who is in an official state visit in Mozambique said Ethiopia as member of the UNSC will stand firm in safeguarding the interests of Africa.

Speaking at a state dinner hosted by President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi of Mozambique, the premier commended the country and African countries in general for their support during its election campaign.

Hailemariam said climate change, poverty, unemployment, peace and stability, terrorism and illegal migration will be among areas Ethiopia will focus to be addressed during its two years long third term in UN Security council.

Addis Ababa has further vow to boost roles of African countries in the global decision making process which had been dominated by western powers.

(ST)