Ethiopian Delegation Engages in Bilateral Talks with US State Department and Treasury

WASHINGTON: The Ethiopian delegation, led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, engaged in bilateral discussions with senior officials of the US State Department and Treasury on the margins of the 2024 World Bank-International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings. The discussions focused on Ethiopia’s economic reforms and the need for international support in debt negotiation processes.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the delegation conferred with US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Molly Phee, and Assistant Secretary for US Treasury for International Affairs, Brent Neiman. The Finance Minister provided a briefing on Ethiopia’s current economic and political landscape and the government’s ongoing macroeconomic reform efforts.

Minister Shide emphasized the importance of support from development partners to help Ethiopia conclude its debt treatment negotiations under the G20 Common Framework. The US officials acknowledged the progress achieved in the reforms, particularly in protecting vu
lnerable households during the transition period, and praised the high-level political leadership involved.

The US representatives assured their continued advocacy and support for resolving debt negotiations through the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable and bilateral means. Both parties agreed to strengthen the US-Ethiopia partnership through various channels, including cooperation via the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.