Addis Ababa, February 25 (WIC) – His Excellency Mr. Girma Birru, Special Envoy, Ambassador Extra-ordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United States of America, presented his credential to President Barack Obama at a ceremony held at the White House on February 23, 2011.

In his remark during the handing in session, Ambassador Girma, reminisced the long standing history of warm friendship and cordial diplomatic relations that continued for over a century between Ethiopia and the US based on mutual respect and the promotion of common interest.

The Ethiopian envoy underscored the shared commitment of both countries as pertains to development, the core values of democracy, the rule of law and the fundamental respect for human rights.

He referenced the deep going cooperation of the two countries in the areas of peace and in safeguarding regional stability and their unwavering joint commitment in the anti- terrorism onslaught.

Ambassador Girma used the occasion to highlight his government’s regards for the valuable and all-encompassing support extended by the US. He made a special note of the provision of the generous US assistance for Ethiopia’s effort to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

In reference to areas of further partnership the Ethiopian emissary underlined that the two countries could benefit by tapping into the vast and heretofore much unexplored and unharnessed field of trade and investment that he believes could spell a treasure trove for the mutual advantage of both countries.

Ambassador Girm Birru, all the more stressed the need for people to people relations and reiterated his stance that he will tirelessly strive to position himself as a bridge to cement the link by engaging the Ethiopian Diaspora to be able to forge a positive connecting chord with Ethiopia, their country of origin.

President Barack Obama, on his part expressed his country’s readiness to further enhance and bolster the already existing cordial relations of the two countries. Upon the occasion of the presentation of the letter of credence by Ambassador Girma, the President also remarked that Ethiopia and the US have an important bilateral partnership, based on shared regional security concerns and the desire to promote a democratic and developed Ethiopia.

Furthermore he underlined that Ethiopia has a rich history and diverse cultural heritage that makes it a truly special country in Africa and in the world, and” we continue to strengthen our relationship”. “Our dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship requires deepening our engagement in a balanced fashion”, Mr. Obama stressed.

Elucidating US support to Ethiopia in its effort at extricating itself from the bondage of poverty and backwardness, President Barack Obama cited the progress on the Economic Growth and Development Working Group as a testament to his country’s desire to sustain Ethiopia’s positive economic progress forward.

He added that the fostering of a positive democratic trajectory will sustain the important partnership between the two countries in the long term. He paid a pivotal attention to the prevailing vital security co-operation between Ethiopia and the US and underscored their common security interests in the Horn of Africa.

Mr. Obama assured Ambassador Girma of his preparedness to work closely with him; in what he referred to the advancement of the shared goals and in the furtherance of the two countries’ engagement on “the three pillars of our relationship” he underscored.

(aigaforum)

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