There is a close link between Arabian Peninsula, the Red Sea region and the Horn of Africa — Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan [Picture: Khaleej Times]

ADDIS ABABA, JANUARY 29, 2022 — During Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his delegates' visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi said that there is a close link between the security and stability of the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea region on the one hand, and the security of the Horn of Africa on the other, according to a report from Khaleej Times.

The Crown Prince said mentioned this when he expressed his thanks and appreciation for the Ethiopian government's stance and condemnation of the attacks of the Houthis on civilian facilities in the UAE and its solidarity with the UAE in any measures taken. 

The close link between Arabian Peninsula, the Red Sea region and the Horn of Africa, he said, calls for a unified and effective regional stance against the threat posed by this militia to the region.

"My greatest appreciation to my brother His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the warm welcome accorded to my delegation and I. We discussed bilateral and regional issues as well as explored ways of further strengthening our ties", said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in a tweet.

Furthermore, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and  Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, discussed cooperation, joint work and ways to enhance ties between the UAE and Ethiopia in various fields to advance their overall development efforts and interests, reported Khaleej Times.

The leaders also tackled the latest regional and global developments of mutual interest.

During the meeting, held at Qasr Al Watan, the lavish presidential Palace, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Ahmed and expressed his pride in the constructive friendship that the UAE and Ethiopia have cultivated over the past years through dedicated work to serve the interests of their peoples, and enhance security and stability in the region.

Sheikh Mohamed and Abiy Ahmed reviewed the qualitative progress and opportunities in the joint cooperation between their countries in various sectors, especially developmental, economic, investment and other vital sectors, noting that the UAE-Ethiopia relations witnessed significant development during the past years, particularly in the investment, agriculture, trade fields, among others.

They also exchanged views regarding the latest regional and global developments, as well as a number of issues of mutual concern, especially issues related to peacemaking efforts in the Horn of Africa.

Sheikh Mohamed was briefed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the latest developments on the Ethiopian arena and wished peace, unity and stability for the friendly people of Ethiopia.

He also highlighted the UAE's stance and approach to establishing peace and stability, given its firm belief that achieving development and building a better future for peoples requires building a solid foundation on pillars of stability, peace, coexistence, and cooperation.

Sheikh Mohamed wished success and good luck for the African Union Summit, which will be hosted by Ethiopia next February and aims to support stability, peace, security and development in the African continent, especially since Ethiopia is a cornerstone of joint African action.

He also stressed that the UAE attaches great importance to its relations with Africa at the political, economic, trade, and developmental levels.

In turn, Abiy Ahmed extended his thanks and appreciation for the UAE's stances and its initiatives that support peace and stability in his country, and wished continued progress and development for the UAE.

He also lauded the UAE's approach in terms of its relations with other countries, which is based on wise and balanced diplomacy, through which it seeks to promote stability and peace in various countries of the world, and its cooperation and solidarity with countries to address common challenges, especially in times of crisis, in addition to its partnership and support for initiatives aimed at achieving prosperity and development for other nations.

The Ethiopian Prime Minister renewed his country's solidarity with the UAE in all the steps it takes to ensure the preservation of its security and territorial integrity.

He also stressed that the terrorist attack on UAE poses a serious threat to regional peace and security, undermines peace efforts in the region and violates all international and humanitarian norms and laws.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohamed hosted a banquet in honour of the Ethiopian Prime Minister and those accompanying him.

The accompanying delegation of the Ethiopian Prime Minister included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Birtukan Ayano; Defence Minister, Dr. Abraham Belay; Head of Prosperity Party Main Office, Aden Farah; Minister of Labour and Skills Development, Muferiat Kamil; Minister of Peace, Binalf Anduwalem; Minister of Government Communications, Legesse Tulu; Chief of National Intelligence, Temesgen Tiruneh; Ethiopian Ambassador to the UAE, Suleiman Dedefo; Commander of the Republican Guard, Maj. Gen. Abdiro Kedir Banata; Director General of Artificial Intelligence Centre, Worku Gachena, and Advisor to the Prime Minister, Daniel Kibret.