Ethiopia’s foreign minister Dr. Tewodros Adhanom holds discussions with US Secretary of State John Kerry today May 01, 2013.

The Minister briefed Secretary Kerry on Somalia, stating that the situation on the ground is improving but warning that hard fought gains against Al-Shabaab had to be consolidated.

Dr. Tewodros cautioned that Al-Shabaab would regroup if the proper measures were not taken against it. Regarding additional support for the Government of Somalia, Dr. Tewodros affirmed that the security sector should take priority and that support for this area should be well coordinated amongst the international community.

The Minister also emphasized that the provision of basic services to people living in liberated areas should be increased as the building of trust and confidence would go a long way towards ensuring peace and security.

Dr. Tewodros  and Secretary Kerry also spoke about recent developments between Sudan and South Sudan as well as how the international community could better support their peace process. Secretary Kerry congratulated Ethiopia on the positive role and leadership it has exhibited in the region.

Throughout the rest of the day Dr. Tewodros  also had separate meetings with Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Derek Chollet, Senior Director for African Affairs, Grant Harris, National Security Staff Senior Director, Gayle Smith and Under-Secretary for Political Affairs, Ambassador Wendy Sherman. In a similar vein, Dr. Tewodros  briefed these US officials on the Horn of Africa sub-region, namely developments in Somalia and the Sudans. Notably, Ambassador Sherman, on her part, congratulated Ethiopia for its smooth political transition following the death of Former Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi. She remarked that, “the transition is very impressive”.

From Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs