Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met Saudi Vice Minister Waleed El Khereiji to discuss strengthening bilateral relations amid tensions with Eritrea. Key topics included economic cooperation and regional stability, particularly regarding the Sudan conflict. However, the dialogue did not explicitly address the growing military threats, raising concerns about the potential for conflict.
On Wednesday, Gedion Timothewos, Ethiopia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with Waleed Abdulkarim El Khereiji, the Saudi Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral and regional relations, as per updates from the Ministry. This meeting follows heightened tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia, particularly after Eritrea accused Ethiopia of aggressive intentions regarding the Assab region.
The backdrop to this diplomatic visit involved a recent communication from Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to Saudi Arabia, expressing discontent with Ethiopia’s actions. Reports also suggest that Eritrea and Saudi Arabia may have reached an investment agreement concerning the Assab port, stirring concerns among certain Ethiopian politicians about potential Saudi involvement in the ongoing Ethiopia-Eritrea military tensions.
In contrast, the Ethiopian government portrays the narrative differently, emphasizing collaboration to enhance economic ties rather than conflict. Regional stability was also a significant topic of discussion, with Ethiopia maintaining a neutral stance on the Sudan conflict, while the Saudi diplomat indicated readiness to collaborate with all involved parties for resolution.
Furthermore, El Khereiji engaged with Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Misganu Arega. They addressed various issues, including joint efforts to combat human trafficking, and explored potential cooperation in agriculture, mining, tourism, and technology sectors, affirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to work closely with Ethiopia.
While the diplomats covered several bilateral and regional matters, the lack of clarity regarding the specific discussion of Eritrean-Ethiopian tensions raises questions about the potential military implications in the region. Eritrea has been actively calling for international support against Ethiopia, asserting concerns over sovereignty. Conversely, the Ethiopian government claims that Eritrea is colluding with opposition factions to incite conflict.
In summary, the meeting between Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister and the Saudi Vice Minister underscored a mutual interest in enhancing economic relations amidst regional tensions. While the discussions deliberately avoided directly addressing the escalating Eritrean-Ethiopian conflict, the broader context suggests underlying concerns regarding potential military engagement. The commitment to cooperative efforts in various sectors signals Saudi Arabia’s intent to play a proactive role in stabilizing the region.
Original Source: borkena.com
