Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos met with Saudi Vice Minister Waleed Abdulkarim El Khereiji to discuss bilateral relations and regional concerns, particularly amidst escalating tensions with Eritrea. The talks emphasized economic cooperation, neutrality in the Sudan conflict, and joint efforts to combat human trafficking. Despite addressing various topics, it is unclear if Eritrea-Ethiopia tensions were directly discussed.
Ethiopian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, engaged in discussions with Saudi Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Waleed Abdulkarim El Khereiji, in a meeting aimed at addressing bilateral and regional issues. This diplomatic visit occurred shortly after talks between Ethiopian and Israeli foreign ministers in Jerusalem, raising questions about regional dynamics.
The backdrop to their meeting includes escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with Eritrean authorities accusing Ethiopia of warmongering. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki reached out to Saudi Arabia amidst these tensions, suggesting that an investment agreement concerning the Assab port had been established with Saudi Arabia. Certain Ethiopian politicians express concerns about potential Saudi involvement in what they perceive as an inevitable military conflict with Eritrea.
The Ethiopian government, however, presents a contrasting narrative, emphasizing the strengthening of economic relations. Ethiopian Foreign Minister highlighted a neutral stance regarding the ongoing conflict in Sudan and conveyed support for resolution efforts. El Khereiji reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s willingness to collaborate with all parties to mitigate the crisis in Sudan.
Additionally, El Khereiji met with Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Misganu Arega, to discuss economic cooperation and joint initiatives against human trafficking. Saudi Arabia demonstrated commitment to collaborate with Ethiopia across various sectors, including agriculture, mining, tourism, and technology, according to updates from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While the discussions encompassed various bilateral and regional issues, it remains unclear if the increasingly tense situation between Eritrea and Ethiopia was addressed directly. Recent briefings from Eritrean officials have urged the international community to put pressure on Ethiopia, while the Ethiopian government accuses Eritrea of instigating conflicts with the TPLF faction.
In summary, the meeting between Ethiopian and Saudi diplomats underlines the complex interplay of regional politics, economic aspirations, and potential conflict, indicating a profound concern for stability in the region.
The diplomatic engagement between Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia highlights significant bilateral and regional discussions amidst ongoing tensions with Eritrea. While the focus was on enhancing economic ties, the shadow of potential conflict remains a critical issue. Both nations recognize the importance of neutrality in regional conflicts, and future collaborations could shape the geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: borkena.com
