Addis Ababa
Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed hope that his country and Ethiopia would cooperate on the revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative after a private conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Hayashi condemned the termination of the Black Sea grain initiative by Russia and expressed hope for cooperation to resume the initiative.
Since the launch of the Black Sea grain deal in July 2022, the United Nations have monitored over 262 metric tons of wheat exports to Ethiopia. Climate shocks caused by severe drought and conflict in Ethiopia have left over 20 million people in need of food aid.
Hayashi also highlighted Japan’s support for the peace accord that ended the war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, stating that Japan would seriously consider further cooperation towards the implementation of this agreement.
Ethiopia’s foreign minister, Demeke, said the two had fruitful discussions on issues of mutual interest, promising to deepen their partnership in political, economic, and social fields. The Japanese foreign minister’s stopover in Ethiopia concluded a six-nation tour of South-West Asia and Africa.
