FMs of Ethiopia, and India Discuss Multilateral Cooperation

ADDIS ABABA – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen has held talks with his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar.

Demeke received India’s external affairs minister in his office during his brief stay in Addis Ababa on Thursday morning.

The two sides discussed issues of mutual concern, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Demeke appreciated India’s unreserved support for Ethiopia’s position in the UN Security Council related to the conflict in the northern part of Ethiopia and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam files.

He further urged Ethiopia’s partners, such as India, to continue taking positive measures on the debt restructuring requests of developing countries.

The discussions were held during S. Jaishankar’s short Addis Ababa transit.

Jaishankar said he welcomed Demeke’s perspective on developments in the region. “Also shared views on our strong multilateral cooperation, including in the AU and United Nations,” he added.

The two sides also talked about India’s bid to run for a non-permanent seat in the UNSC in 2028–2029.