Foreign Minister holds talks with UN Under Secretary-General
December 17, 2012 – ADDIS ABABA
Newly appointed Foreign Minister, Dr. Tedros Adhanom, welcomed a delegation from the United Nations led by Mr. Michel Sidibé, Under Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
Mr. Sidibé, congratulated the Minister on his new position before offering condolences on the untimely passing of the late Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi. He also took the opportunity to highlight the tremendous progress Ethiopia has made in reducing HIV/AIDS infection rates by 90%, compared to a continental average of 50%.
Dr. Tedros on his part explained that the success of the national HIV/AIDS campaign was due to continuing support and assistance of the UN.
The two sides also discussed the improving security situation in Somalia, with the Under-Secretary General welcoming Ethiopia’s role in support of peace in the region. Dr. Tedros also briefed Mr. Sidibé on the progress of the negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan, expressing hope that the two sides would reach agreement at the AU summit in January. The Minister and the Under-Secretary-General agreed on the importance of further regional economic integration for the cause of peace and stability.
They also expressed their full commitment to the African Union Roadmap on AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria.