PM Abiy and Rubio Discuss Closer Ties Amid Regional Challenges

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have discussed bilateral relations as renewed fighting in Tigray and escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea raise concerns about a wider conflict in the Horn of Africa.

According to the US State Department, Rubio raised heightened tensions with Eritrea during a telephone conversation with Abiy on October 14, urging both sides to de-escalate and return to dialogue under the 2018 Ethiopia-Eritrea peace framework. He also stressed the need for countries in the region to respect their neighbours’ sovereignty and territorial integrity and avoid cross-border incursions.

The call comes amid renewed fighting in Tigray, where clashes have threatened the peace agreement signed in 2022 to end a two-year war. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of sending troops across its border and occupying parts of its territory, allegations Asmara has disputed. The renewed hostilities have heightened fears of a wider confrontation between the two countries.

In a social media post, Abiy described the conversation as “very fruitful”, saying both countries were committed to transforming their longstanding relationship into a more strategic and practical partnership.

He also welcomed assurances of continued US support for Ethiopia and cited a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing regional and multilateral priorities.

The two governments’ accounts place the call against a backdrop of growing security concerns in the Horn of Africa, although Abiy’s public statement did not specify the regional issues discussed.

Source: FSX Business News