Ethiopia PM meets US Vice president, human rights reforms discussed

Ethiopia’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed on Friday met the vice president of the United States, Mike Pence who praised “the historic reform efforts” undertaken by Abiy since assuming power in April, the White House said in a statement.

Pence noted Abiy’s efforts at “improving respect for human rights, reforming the business environment, and making peace with Eritrea,” the statement said.

“The two leaders underscored their countries’ shared values and their commitment to building an even stronger partnership in the days ahead,” it said.

HE PM Abiy Ahmed met today with HE Vice President Mike Pence in the WhiteHouse. #Ethiopia and #USA enjoy strong partnership & bilateral ties. Vice President Pence congratulated PM Abiy on Ethiopia’s democratic reforms & reinforced US commitment to support Ethiopia’s development. pic.twitter.com/eEGMHfDOzn

— Fitsum Arega (fitsumaregaa) 27 juillet 2018

Under Abiy, Ethiopia has instituted reforms including releasing political prisoners, diluting state control of the economy and making peace with northern neighbor Eritrea after two decades of hostility.

A 41-year-old former intelligence officer, Abiy came to power after his predecessor resigned earlier this year amid protests against abuses by security forces and public anger over perceived ethnic marginalization of many groups in the racially diverse country.

While in Washington Abiy was also scheduled to meet with members of Ethiopia’s large diaspora community in the United States, whose remittances have helped prop up the economy.

Abiy who is also due to visit Minneapolis and Los Angeles, told the Ethiopian community in Washington that his goal is to organise a democratic election.

He met on Friday with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, who said they had “an engaging and productive meeting.”

“I reiterated the IMF’s commitment to work with the Ethiopian authorities to ensure that the economy achieves high rates of sustainable and inclusive growth to reduce poverty,” she said in a statement.

HE PM Abiy Ahmed met today with Christine Lagarde Managing Director of IMF in her HQ Washington DC. PM Abiy had productive discussion with Madam Lagarde about IMF’s support for #Ethiopia’s reform plan and priorities. pic.twitter.com/dqY0bC6WQE

— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) 27 juillet 2018

REUTERS