Irish Foreign Minister in Ethiopia
The Irish Foreign Minister, Mr. Michael Martin, paid an official visit to Ethiopia from 30th June to 2nd July 2010. During the visit, the Minister conducted fruitful discussions with high level Ethiopian Government officials, including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, and State Minister Dr. Tekeda Alemu.
During the meeting with the State Minister, the two officials exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues. The Irish Foreign Minister commended the sound policies adopted by the Ethiopian Government which resulted in fast economic growth and major social development, particularly in the areas of education, primary health care, rural development, food security and other sectors. In this connection, Mr. Martin reassured the State Minister that Ireland would continue to assist Ethiopia in various fields despite the current budgetary and financial constraints his country faced. He also expressed his appreciation for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the recently held national elections in Ethiopia.
During the exchange of views on regional issues, the Irish Foreign Minister recognized the very challenges Ethiopia had faced due to security problems prevailing in the Horn of Africa. He also praised the Ethiopian Government as well as other stakeholders for bringing North-South Sudan political actors to Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia, for serious dialogue focusing on post-referendum issues which ultimately produced the Mekelle Memorandum. Sharing the wealth of his country's experience in resolving such a protracted age-old conflict in Northern Ireland, Mr. Martin noted that greater sense of responsibility, wisdom and patience were needed to foster mutual trust and confidence.
State Minister Dr. Tekeda Alemu on his part expressed his satisfaction with the current Ethio-Irish bilateral relations. He underlined that Ethiopia valued and took its relationship with Ireland very seriously. He acknowledged that Irish development assistance policy was in harmony with Ethiopia's development strategies and the development programme being implemented by Irish Aid in various parts of Ethiopia proved effective and sustainable. He also commended the Government of Ireland for pursuing the principle that developing countries must be allowed to own and lead their development strategies. The State Minister added that Ethiopia highly valued the principled stand of Ireland on major international issues. In this regard, he recalled the firm and principled stand adopted by the Irish Government at the time of Ethio-Eritrea war during which Ireland unequivocally stated that Eritrea committed aggression and recognized Ethiopia's right to self defence.