November 12, 2018
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Press Release
H.E Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed finalized a tripartite meeting
with Presidents of the State of Eritrea and the Federal
Republic of Somalia
Upon the invitation and initiation of H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, H.E. President lsaias Afeworki of Eritrea and H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed of Somalia visited the Amhara Regional State on November 9-10, 2018. The follow-up meeting to the preliminary consultations held in September 2018 in Asmara, Eritrea, centered on facilitating the path for regional economic integration, as a result of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s national reforms, which have influenced peace and security in the Horn of Africa. In addition, the discussions also underlined commitments to strengthen peace and security in the Horn region and on developing a common and aligned voice on international agendas.
During the two days, the leaders visited the city of Gonder and Bahir Dar and various
development projects, including an irrigation venture in Dembia Woreda, the Bure agro-processing Industry Park, aerial visit of Tana Beles Sugar Factory mega project and inaugurated the Tibebe Ghion specialised hospital in Bahir Dar City.
Furthermore, the leaders also visited historic and touristic sites on Lake Tana. On the margins of the tripartite meeting, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met and discussed with various stakeholders in Gonder, as it pertains to issues of peace and security in the region. In separate discussions with a committee of elders for peace set-up by representatives of the Qimant and Amhara communities as well as the Welkait committee, he reiterated the need to address any differences peacefully, in accordance with the rule of law and in a manner, that does not violate the Federal system and constitutional rights. Furthermore, he stressed the need to end the conflict and begin focusing on unity and collective rights, underscoring the issues raised require employing patience in addressing them in alignment with the rule of law.