Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen participates in 21st Extraordinary Session of Executive Council of African Union

H.E.Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, has participated in the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union that was held virtually today (December 02).

The meeting aimed to discuss the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the status of the implementations of the theme of the Year of the African Union for 2020, ‘Silencing the Guns’.

In addressing the meeting, H.E Mr. Demeke Mekonnen, highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area to the African Continental agendas, especially in boosting African Socio-economic development and integration.

The minister recalled the active participation of Ethiopia in all of the negotiation forums of the AfCFTA and affirmed the continued commitment Ethiopia has to fully implement the provisions of the agreement.

Mr. Demeke also highlighted Ethiopia’s active share in implementing the theme of the year for 2020 of the African Union, ‘Silencing the Guns’.

As a member of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, Ethiopia has contributed a lot to the positive results achieved in the implementation of the theme of the year for 2020, the minister added.

Today’s meeting is a prelude to the 13th and 14th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union that is scheduled to take place on the 5th and 6th December 2020.

The Council has also considered the proposed draft agendas and decisions of the Assembly that will be held on the 5th and 6th of December 2020.

H.E. Dr. Naledi Pandor, Chairperson of the Executive Council and Foreign Minister of the Republic of South Africa chaired the session.

(source :The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia)