Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos in Jerusalem on March 13. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing terrorism. Sa’ar plans a reciprocal visit to Ethiopia, identifying the cooperation as essential for regional stability and security.
On March 13, Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, welcomed Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos to Jerusalem for his inaugural visit. The officials engaged in private discussions followed by a broader bilateral meeting, during which they emphasized the importance of enhancing their countries’ relations across various sectors. Minister Sa’ar expressed his intention to reciprocate with a visit to Ethiopia in the near future.
The discussions underscored strategic goals for 2025, highlighting Ethiopia’s pivotal role in regional stability. Minister Sa’ar remarked, “Today’s visit is the first visit as part of an initiative that I am leading to strengthen ties with African countries.” He further noted that terrorism poses a shared threat, particularly referencing Ethiopia’s significant contributions to combating the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
In his statements, Minister Sa’ar outlined the interconnectedness of regional security challenges, stating that “Ethiopia plays a critical role in the fight against the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab, which threatens the stability of the Horn of Africa.” He connected Al-Shabaab’s activities to broader threats posed by Iranian-backed groups, including the Houthis in Yemen. He emphasized the urgency of addressing radical Islamic terrorism, naming threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, jihadists in Syria, and Al-Shabaab as pressing global issues that require eradication.
The meeting between Israel’s and Ethiopia’s foreign ministers marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties, with an emphasis on collaborative efforts against terrorism and enhancing regional stability. Israel aims to solidify its relationships with African nations as part of a broader strategic initiative, positioning Ethiopia as a key partner in these efforts.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
