Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos in Jerusalem to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. Sa’ar indicated plans for a reciprocal visit to Ethiopia and emphasized the critical role of Ethiopia in addressing regional terrorism. Both ministers highlighted the threats posed by groups such as Al-Shabaab and the Iranian-backed Houthis.
On March 13, 2023, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos in Jerusalem. This marked Timotheos’ inaugural visit to Israel. Their discussions included various initiatives aimed at enhancing bilateral relations, after which they addressed the media to share their perspectives on the meeting.
Minister Sa’ar emphasized that this visit is part of a broader initiative to strengthen ties with African nations, a strategic objective for Israel by 2025. He underscored Ethiopia’s pivotal role in this regional effort, stating, “Strengthening relations with these countries is one of our strategic goals for 2025, and Ethiopia has a central role in this region.”
He further referenced the shared challenges posed by terrorism, specifically noting Ethiopia’s significant contribution in combating the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, which threatens the stability of the Horn of Africa. Minister Sa’ar remarked on the interconnectedness of regional threats, including the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, asserting that these entities jeopardize security across multiple locales, including Israel.
In conclusion, the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Israel and Ethiopia highlights a significant step in the enhancement of bilateral relations. It reflects Israel’s strategic intention to engage with African nations actively. The shared concerns regarding terrorism, particularly in relation to Al-Shabaab and its regional implications, were underscored by both ministers, emphasizing the broader commitment to addressing security threats collaboratively.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
