Israel and Ethiopia Strengthen Bilateral Relations Amid Security Concerns

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos in Jerusalem on March 13, discussing bilateral relations and mutual security concerns. Saar announced plans for a reciprocal visit to Ethiopia, emphasizing the importance of combating terrorism, especially the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and its affiliations. The meeting aligns with Israel’s strategic goals to strengthen ties with African nations by 2025.

On March 13, 2023, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed his Ethiopian counterpart, Gedion Timotheos, in Jerusalem, marking Timotheos’s inaugural visit to Israel. The agenda of their discussions revolved around enhancing bilateral relations across various domains. Minister Sa’ar announced plans for a reciprocal visit to Ethiopia in the near future to further this initiative.

In their statements to the press following the discussions, Minister Sa’ar emphasized the significance of this meeting as a part of his initiative to strengthen connections with African nations, identifying this as a strategic priority for Israel by 2025. He highlighted Ethiopia’s vital role in the region, particularly in relation to combating terrorism.

Minister Sa’ar articulated that “terrorism is a common threat to our people” and underscored Ethiopia’s importance in the fight against Al-Shabaab, a terrorist organization endangering the Horn of Africa’s stability. He expressed concerns about the threats posed to Israel and the broader world order by groups like Al-Shabaab, particularly those aligned with the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, which have targeted Israeli communities with missile attacks. The Foreign Minister urged a concerted effort to “eradicate” terrorism that plagues various regions, including Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Africa.

The meeting between Foreign Ministers Saar and Timotheos signifies a pivotal step in enhancing Israel-Ethiopia relations. Both ministers underscored the urgency of addressing shared security threats posed by terrorism in the region. This mutually beneficial relationship is positioned as a strategic goal for Israel, with Ethiopia playing a critical role in regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts.

Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com