Ethiopia, Lebanon PM Discuss ways to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

ADDIS ABABA – Consul General of Ethiopia Temesgen Oumer on Tuesday met with the Prime Minister of Lebanon Najib Azmi Mikati to discuss issues of regional and bilateral matters.

The two sides “exchanged views on the current situation in Ethiopia and regional issues, including ways to strengthen bilateral ties between the two” nations, says the ministry of foreign affairs.

During the meeting,Temesgen briefed the Prime Minister on the current developments in Ethiopia with reference to the path to peace and inclusive dialogue, humanitarian access and steps taken to address Human Rights violations.

The Consul General also took the occasion to explain about the start of initial power generation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

He also noted Ethiopia’s dedication to work with downstream countries based on equitable utilization of the waters of the Nile and through the ongoing AU facilitation on the tripartite negotiation.

Prime Minister Mikati, on his part, said Lebanon values its long-standing relations with Ethiopia, and appreciated the endeavor and current signals for peace and stability in the East African nation.

The PM stressed on continuing the current process of negotiation taking the concerns among the three countries on the filling of the dam.

Last month, Ethiopia began producing electricity for the first time from its dam, which authorities see as essential for its electrification and development.

The $5bln project is ultimately expected to produce more than 5,000 megawatts of electricity, more than doubling Ethiopia’s electricity output.