Tánaiste pledges €15 million humantiarian funding to Ethiopia
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has concluded a four day visit to the Horn of Africa.
The Tánaiste Micheál Martin met with Ethiopian Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide in Addis Ababa as he completed his four day visit to the Horn of Africa.
Mr Martin outlined details of €15 million in funding from Ireland to support development and humanitarian programming to benefit those furthest behind throughout the country.
Speaking following the announcement, the Tánaiste said: “Over the past 50 years, Ireland has undergone an economic transformation into a services-led and export-oriented modern economy.
"It is in all our interests to support Ethiopia on its journey of economic development. We are also committed to supporting those most in need, including the victims of conflict.”
At a roundtable with the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC), the Tánaiste met members to hear about their work on reconciliation and other national challenges.
The ENDC was set up to independently lead and coordinate an inclusive and participatory national dialogue in Ethiopia.
Speaking after the roundtable, the Tánaiste remarked: “Peacebuilding and reconciliation can be a long road and there is much we can learn from each other. I look forward to welcoming members of the Commission to Ireland later this year.”
The Tánaiste also visited the Association for Women's Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD) Safe House, which provides support and protection to victims of sexual and gender based violence.
Speaking after the visit, the Tánaiste said:
“Ireland is proud to be supporting such important work on preventing and responding to gender based violence. Ending sexual violence is a challenge for every country and Ireland is committed to prevention and response both at home and internationally.”
Concluding his visit to the region, the Tánaiste added:
“I’ve received a warm welcome in the Horn of Africa. The visit reaffirmed that Ireland’s relationship with Kenya and Ethiopia is moving to a new phase. Meeting with students, climate action innovators, peacebuilders, humanitarian workers, community activists, and entrepreneurs, I saw first-hand the new kinds of partnerships, to reinforce prosperity and peace.
"The challenges facing the region are significant but so too are the opportunities, including for significant growth in two-way trade and investment.”