Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen held talks with European Union Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, on Ethiopia-EU cooperation and regional issues today.

The officials extensively discussed the peace process in Ethiopia, Ethiopia-EU cooperation, and regional issues of mutual importance, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Demeke briefed the special envoy on the ongoing post-war peace consolidation efforts of the Ethiopian Government, including the implementation of the transitional justice process in tandem with the tremendous task of rehabilitating the displaced and reconstructing the infrastructure damaged by the war in northern Ethiopia.

In this regard, he reaffirmed the continued commitment of the government to the full implementation of the peace agreement.

International partners such as the EU need to provide support for the overall undertakings of the government, Demeke underscored.

Concerning the situation in Sudan, he noted that Ethiopia, as a neighboring country, strongly believes that sustainable solution could only be brought about through negotiations and dialogue while ensuring that the peace process in the country is owned and led by its people.

Peace efforts should be channeled through the IGAD platform under the auspices of the African Union, the deputy premier and foreign minister stated.

He also pointed out that Ethiopia is hosting 70,000 refugees who fled the war in Sudan and called for support to the humanitarian efforts of the government in this respect.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency