Minister Gedion Timothewos presented the six-month performance report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and its affiliated institutions for the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year to the Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) on Wednesday (March 25).
The Chairperson of the Standing Committee, Dima Negewo, noted that the Committee, through various oversight mechanisms, had verified that the Ministry has undertaken substantive efforts during the fiscal year to safeguard the national interest and achieve tangible progress across multiple areas of diplomacy.
He further said Ethiopia has successfully attracted global attention and effectively hosted international and continental conferences, thereby making notable strides in enhancing the country’s image.
The Chairperson emphasized the need for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intensify its efforts to ensure that bilateral agreements concluded with various countries over the past six months are translated into concrete outcomes within a short period of time.
Minister Gedion, for his part, highlighted that, during the reporting period, key diplomatic engagements were carried out that elevated Ethiopia’s visibility and standing in platforms such as the G20, BRICS, and other international, continental, and regional institutions.
The Minister further underscored that Ethiopia is making steady progress by implementing an independent and non-aligned foreign policy that firmly safeguards its national interests.
Responding to questions and comments raised by members of the Standing Committee, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion along with State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, provided clarifications and detailed explanations.