Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met with Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister Waleed El Khereiji to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues amidst rising tensions with Eritrea. The talks focused on economic cooperation, neutrality regarding Sudan, and concerns about Eritrea’s military activities. The discussions reflect Saudi Arabia’s intent to strengthen ties in multiple sectors despite the complex geopolitical landscape.
Ethiopia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, held a meeting on Wednesday with Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Waleed Abdulkarim El Khereiji. The meeting, as reported by the Ethiopian Ministry, focused on bilateral and regional issues, aiming to strengthen economic relations between Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia amidst rising tensions with Eritrea over controlling the Assab port.
The timing of this diplomatic engagement follows heightened accusations from Eritrea regarding Ethiopia’s military intentions, particularly following a message sent by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki that called for international pressure on Ethiopia. Politicians from Ethiopia’s Tigray region view the potential Saudi involvement in any military conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea as concerning, indicating an upcoming conflict.
Discussions between Timothewos and El Khereiji also encompassed the conflict in Sudan, wherein Ethiopia maintains a neutral stance while supporting resolution efforts. El Khereiji reiterated Saudi Arabia’s readiness to collaborate with all parties to alleviate the situation in Sudan.
Furthermore, El Khereiji’s discussions with Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Misganu Arega, covered topics such as strengthening economic collaboration and joint measures against human trafficking. Saudi Arabia has shown interest in areas like agriculture, mining, tourism, and technology, reflecting a commitment to foster cooperative relations with Ethiopia.
Although the Ethiopian Ministry’s updates indicated that various bilateral and regional issues were discussed, it remains unclear if Eritrea’s growing tensions with Ethiopia were specifically addressed. Nevertheless, diplomats speculate that the regional situation was likely on the agenda, considering ongoing military anticipations.
Eritrea had previously briefed diplomats on its stance and accused Ethiopia of disturbing the regional peace, whereas Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of inciting conflict through its support of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This ongoing rivalry underscores the complexities surrounding the diplomatic engagements between these nations.
The meeting between Ethiopia’s Gedion Timothewos and Saudi Arabia’s Waleed Abdulkarim El Khereiji marks a significant step in addressing bilateral relations amid regional tensions. Their discussions encompassed economic cooperation and involved a neutral stance on the Sudan conflict, while underlying disputes with Eritrea loom large. As both nations navigate these intricate dynamics, the potential for Saudi Arabian involvement in regional conflicts remains a pressing concern for Ethiopian stakeholders.
Original Source: borkena.com
