Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, has made a statement on current diplomatic issues. Among the topics addressed were the diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, the plight of Ethiopians in difficult situations abroad, Ethiopia’s relationship with the newly elected US President Donald Trump, and other matters.

Ambassador Nebiat stated that efforts are underway to free the Ethiopians who traveled to Myanmar and are kidnapped by illegal brokers and international human traffickers. In addition to the Ethiopians, citizens of 19 other countries are being held hostage in Myanmar. Copies of the passports of 380 Ethiopians held hostage in Myanmar have been sent to the Ethiopian Embassy in Japan, and efforts are being made to secure their release.

When asked about the number of Ethiopian hostages in Myanmar, Ambassador Nebiat responded, “Since the trip is illegal, it is not known how many Ethiopian citizens are kidnapped in Myanmar. The passport numbers and photos sent to the Ethiopian Embassy in Tokyo were obtained from their families.”

Ambassador Nebiat explained that the efforts to free the Ethiopians being held hostage are challenging because the hostages are located near the border of Myanmar and Thailand, in areas outside the control of the Myanmar government.

Another question posed to the spokesperson was about the nature of Ethiopia’s relationship with the newly elected US President Donald Trump. In response, Ambassador Nebiat briefly replied, “Ethiopia and the United States have had a relationship for 120 years, and we will continue to have a relationship based on our national interests with the new government formed by Donald Trump.”

Furthermore, Ethiopia will soon send its ambassador to Mogadishu, the spokesperson said. It is remembered that Ethiopia’s relationship with Somalia has been worsened following the signing of a port agreement with Somaliland a year ago.

Additionally, he stated that the Ethiopian Embassy in Mogadishu and consulate offices in other cities of the country will resume their previous work at full capacity following the agreement made by the leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia in Ankara, Turkey, to resolve their differences and improve their relations.