Ethiopian Premier: Qatar Boasts Strong Political Standing

Doha, February 19 (QNA) - Ethiopia's Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who is also the Chairman the current session of the African Union, has expressed his country's appreciation for the efforts exerted by HH the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in support for global peace and stability, pointing out that HH the Emir has strong cross-border initiatives to promote world peace. In an interview with Qatari daily (Al Sharq) issued Tuesday, the Ethiopian Prime Minister said that his country has a strategic and evolving relationship with Qatar in various fields, pointing to a number of cooperation agreements between the two countries that will push their relationship to greater heights. He explained that the exchange of visits between the two countries at the highest levels had a positive impact in strengthening relations between the two sides, stressing that Qatar is an important country at the regional and international levels and has a considerable economic weight. The Prime Minister noted that his country is in full coordination and cooperation in many issues with Qatar and there is an agreement for consultation in diplomatic and political fields to resolve conflicts and crises. Ethiopia supports the Qatari efforts to bring peace to Darfur and the significant progress it has made in this regard, Ethiopia's Prime Minister said, pointing out that his country is in coordination with Qatar and there is a cooperation agreement between them to resolve conflicts in the region. "We appreciate the role of Qatar because achieving peace in Sudan means achieving peace in the region," he said, adding that what is happening in Sudan has direct and indirect effects on Ethiopia. Meanwhile, he indicated that Qatar is a country that has its political weight in the Arab world and Ethiopia is an important country in the Horn of Africa, though their cooperation would deliver positive results in the regional and international arena. He made clear that his country's doors are open for Qatari investments in the private and public sectors and they will find all the facilities, stressing at the same time the strength of GCC-Ethiopian relations, where there is close cooperation with all the Gulf states, and his country will strive to enhance these relations. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn expressed the desire for Arab and GCC countries to invest in Ethiopia. He also said that there are policies developed to encourage and attract investors and provide them with the necessary facilities, noting to the large natural resource in his country . On the situation in Yemen and its effects on the African Horn, Ethiopian Premier Hailemariam Desalegn indicated that it constitutes a priority, adding that the Ethiopian government welcomes positive changes and trusts that Yemenis will find solutions. expressing support for the civilized transfer of power and national reconciliation process. Ethiopia has exerted efforts and still applies them towards peace and security in the region, playing a mediating, neutral role for the resolution of the conflict in the two Sudanese nations, the official clarified, affirming positivity on the great progress by the two presidents in solving pending issues. In regards to Somalia, Desalegn praised the first ever elections which were held in Mogadishu as well as the advancement represented in an elected president and government. He also pointed out its economic revitalization, stressing the importance of support from the international community following crises experienced by the Somali people, the latest coming with the al-Shabaab group, and asserting the need to solve African issues within the African context and under its umbrella. As for Mali, the Prime Minister called on the international community to provide urgent support for the government and international forces operating under African leadership in face of the danger posed by terrorist groups. (QNA)