Ethiopia, Yemen Seek to Reactivate Diplomatic Ties

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian and Yemeni top diplomats have held talks today as the two countries seek to reactivate their formal relations.

Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen met with the visiting Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak in his office today.

Demeke briefed Mubarak on the current affairs of Ethiopia to FM Mubarak who arrived in Addis Ababa on Monday morning.

The briefing included the government’s efforts to consolidate the peace process in the East African nation.

Demeke also emphasized the need to capitalize on the historical ties between the two countries that predicate not only on interests but also age-old people-to-people relations.

He went on to underscore the need to further bolster the multifaceted ties between the two countries, urging Mubarak to work closely towards the reactivation of the bilateral relations.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Mubarak, on his part, assured Demeke of his government’s continued support in the resumption of formal engagements.

Yemen and Ethiopia need political consultations, foreign minister Mubarak told Demeke.

He also said the Government of Yemen will assist the Government of Ethiopia to expedite the voluntary repatriation of Ethiopians in Yemen.

Thousands of Ethiopian migrants are reportedly stranded in Yemen which has long been a major transit route for migrants from the Horn of Africa to the Middle East and beyond.