Minister for International Development and Women &
Equalities, , visited Ethiopia
yesterday, where she met Foreign Minister, Taye Atske-Selassie,
to discuss UK support for peace and security across Ethiopia and
the wider region; as well as economic growth and development
priorities.
The Minister also raised concern about the devasting impact of
conflict in Amhara and Oromia on civilians. The UK continues to
urge all parties to the conflicts to de-escalate and engage in
peaceful and inclusive dialogue.
During her visit, the Minister set out her priorities under the
new UK Government, including in areas of common interest like
economic transformation; support to humanitarian crises; and
tackling global poverty, instability, and the climate and nature
crisis. The Minister will support and champion the rights of
women and girls.
Her visit, which was preceded by a trip to South Sudan and is her
first to the region as newly appointed Minister of State for
International Development and Women & Equalities, is a strong
indication of the UK's commitment to the UK-Ethiopia partnership,
as well as of UK support for security, stability, and prosperity
across the wider region.
While in Addis, the Minister also met with African Union
Commissioner Bankole Adeoye, and discussed peace and security
issues across the continent, including in Sudan, South Sudan and
Somalia. She also discussed efforts to end the conflict in Sudan
during a meeting with representatives of Sudanese political
parties and civil society in Ethiopia.
