Deputy PM Holds Talks with new WFP Rep to Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, on Friday held talks with Claude Jibidar, country director of World Food Program (WFP).

During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister has appreciated the WFP’s continued humanitarian assistance to people affected by man-made and natural disasters in Ethiopia.

He said the federal government is exerting efforts to support the more than 20 million Ethiopians who suffer from conflict and drought.

Given the gravity of the situation, Demeke stressed the need for expedited emergency relief support to affected Ethiopians from humanitarian partners like WFP.

According to the Ministry of Foreign affairs, the two sides also noted the federal government’s encouraging efforts in transforming wheat production in Ethiopia, which paves the way for self-sufficiency.

WFP country director Jibidar appreciated the indefinite humanitarian truce during the discussion.

He also said the UN food agency is accelerating its humanitarian works in all areas affected by the conflict and drought in Ethiopia.

“In connection with that,” the Foreign Ministry said “Demeke requested the WFP to condemn the TPLF’s aggressions against adjacent regions, which continued to threaten the encouraging humanitarian works.”

Finally, Demeke wished the new WFP representative success, reaffirming all necessary support for his organization’s activities in Ethiopia.

Jibidar, a Togolese national, previously served as WFP representative and Country Director in Chad. Prior to that, he held similar position in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).