Minister Joly speaks with Ethiopian counterpart

November 26, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke yesterday with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Demeke Mekonnen.

During their call, Minister Joly emphasized Canada’s profound alarm regarding the rapidly deteriorating situation in Ethiopia, including the worsening humanitarian situation and military escalation. She urged for immediate actions by the Government of Ethiopia to draw the conflict to a peaceful end. In response to Minister Joly’s continuing call to ensure unhindered humanitarian access, Deputy Prime Minister Mekonnen underscored his efforts to ensure that humanitarian assistance enters Tigray immediately.

Both ministers agreed on the importance of all parties working toward a political solution under the auspices of the African Union and High Representative Obasanjo. The two Ministers agreed to remain in contact.