Ethiopia, South Africa Pledge to Protect Ethiopian Nationals’ Safety

Addis ababa: Ethiopia and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitments to the safety and wellbeing of the Ethiopian nationals. State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, held high-level talks today with South Africa's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Nonceba Losi, to address recent incidents targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the state minister expressed deep concern over the recent incidents targeting foreign nationals and stressed the need to ensure the safety, protection, and wellbeing of Ethiopians residing in South Africa. Ambassador Berhanu underscored Ethiopia's strong appreciation for the longstanding historical ties and strategic partnership between Ethiopia and South Africa. He also conveyed gratitude to the Government and people of South Africa for hosting Ethiopian communities that continue to make meaningful contributions to the country's economy and social fabric.For her part, Ambassador Nonceba Losi reaffirmed that the South African government has strongly condemned acts of violence and intimidation directed against foreign nationals. She reiterated her government's commitment to safeguarding the security and rights of all communities living in South Africa, including Ethiopian nationals. The ambassador further noted that relevant South African authorities are conducting comprehensive investigations into the incidents and assured the Ethiopian side that the findings would be shared with the Government of Ethiopia upon completion of the process.Both sides emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the relevant institutions of the two countries in addressing issues related to documentation, legal protection, community safety, and the overall wellbeing of Ethiopian nationals residing in South Africa. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations and cooperation between Ethiopia and South Africa.