Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia Discuss Bilateral Relations Amid…

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met with Saudi Vice FM Waleed El Khereiji to discuss bilateral and regional issues, including the conflict in Sudan and economic cooperation amidst rising tensions with Eritrea. The importance of Saudi involvement in Ethiopia’s challenges and its ambitions for economic partnerships were emphasized.

On Wednesday, Ethiopia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, engaged in discussions with Saudi Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Waleed Abdulkarim El Khereiji. The meeting aimed to address both bilateral relations and regional matters amidst rising tensions in the region, particularly concerning Eritrea’s accusations of Ethiopia’s alleged warmongering regarding the Assab port.

This meeting occurred soon after Ethiopian and Israeli foreign ministers convened in Jerusalem, indicating increasing international diplomatic activity in the area. Notably, the tensions coincide with Eritrea’s appeal to Saudi Arabia and its concerns regarding Ethiopia’s actions. Eritrean pro-government activists reported that Saudi Arabia and Eritrea had reached an investment agreement related to Assab port, further intensifying the regional dynamics.

Some Ethiopian politicians from the Tigray region anticipate a potential Saudi involvement in an impending military conflict with Eritrea. However, the Ethiopian government maintains a narrative focused on enhancing economic relations with Saudi Arabia, as indicated by a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement.

Additionally, the discussion encompassed the conflict in Sudan, where Ethiopia expressed a neutral position and support for conflict resolution efforts. The Saudi diplomatic contingent demonstrated a commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to address the crisis.

Minister El Khereiji also conferred with Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Misganu Arega. Their discussions covered strategies to bolster economic ties and combat human trafficking, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s broad interest in sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism, and technology in Ethiopia.

While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that various regional issues were discussed, it remains unclear if the ongoing tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia were specifically addressed. This lack of clarity raises questions about whether critical regional concerns were adequately discussed during these high-level meetings, particularly with Eritrea’s diplomatic outreach to the international community for sustainability and peace.

In conclusion, the meeting between Ethiopia’s Gedion Timothewos and Saudi Arabia’s Waleed Abdulkarim El Khereiji marks a significant moment in diplomatic relations amidst a backdrop of regional tensions. The discussions highlighted economic cooperation and regional conflicts, notably the situations in Sudan and the contentious relations with Eritrea. Future engagements will be crucial in determining the stability of these relations and the broader implications for regional peace.

Original Source: borkena.com