Foreign Affairs Minister Taye Atsekesillasie gave media briefings today to local and foreign correspondents on the current regional developments.

Taye stated that Ethiopia chose not to retaliate in kind when recently attacked by certain Somali government officials and hostile forces seeking to exploit opportunities to destabilize the region.

The minister stressed that their hostile rhetoric and threats will not discourage Ethiopia from its commitment to peace in this region.

Taye added that we must redouble our efforts to stop those trying to undo hard-won gains against terrorism in this region.

With this conviction, we accepted the facilitation of discussions with Somalia, firstly in Nairobi, and as a continuation of that effort, in Ankara, he recalled.

“These efforts have made progress and are promising to yield results. These efforts must not be undermined by provocative statements. Collusion with forces hostile to peace in this region is also short-sighted and counterproductive,” he pointed out.

Ethiopia’s foreign policy has always centered on advancing its relations with its neighbors.

“We believe that the well-being and prosperity of our country are closely tied with the peace and development of our neighbors. As the largest country in this region, we do not take lightly the responsibility of protecting the safety and ensuring the destiny of our country, and that of our region,» Taye elaborated.

According to the minister, Ethiopia will continue building, mending and enhancing relations with its neighbors, noting we have unbreakable bonds of fraternity among our peoples.

“We are determined to nurture and enhance these historical and traditional ties and continue working on building or rebuilding the infrastructural links, trade, and cultural exchanges. This is a bedrock of Ethiopia’s foreign policy,” Taye emphasized.

The minister stressed that we thus cannot stand on the side when the peace and harmony of our neighborhood becomes a playground for terrorists and anti-peace elements.