On March 13, 2023, Israel’s FM Gideon Sa’ar hosted Ethiopia’s FM Gedion Timotheos in Jerusalem. Their discussions centered around strengthening bilateral relations and addressing common threats such as terrorism, particularly from Al-Shabaab. Sa’ar announced plans for a reciprocal visit to Ethiopia, emphasizing its strategic importance in regional stability.
On March 13, 2023, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos in Jerusalem for Timotheos’s inaugural visit to Israel. The two diplomats engaged in a private meeting, followed by an expanded bilateral session that emphasized the enhancement of relations across various domains. Minister Sa’ar revealed plans for his own upcoming visit to Ethiopia as part of these efforts.
During a press briefing concluding the meeting, Foreign Minister Sa’ar articulated, “Today’s visit is the first visit as part of an initiative that I am leading to strengthen ties with African countries.” He underscored that enhancing relations with African nations is a strategic priority for Israel, particularly highlighting Ethiopia’s significance in the region.
Sa’ar further addressed the common challenges posed by terrorism, stating, “Ethiopia plays a critical role in the fight against the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab, which threatens the stability of the Horn of Africa.” He pointed out the connections between Al-Shabaab and Iranian-backed groups, indicating that such collaborations endanger not only regional stability but also Israel’s security. He affirmed the necessity to eliminate radical Islamic terrorism which manifests through groups like Hamas and Hezbollah in the Middle East, stressing a collective responsibility to confront these threats.
The recent meeting between Israeli and Ethiopian foreign ministers underscores a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral relations. It is evident that both nations recognize the importance of collaboration against common challenges, particularly terrorism, while enhancing diplomatic ties for regional stability. This initiative illustrates Israel’s broader strategy to forge robust connections with African countries for mutual security and development.
Original Source: www.aninews.in
