Royce expresses support for U.S.-Ethiopia relations to fight terrorism, spur economic growth

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA), along with a small House delegation, held a meeting in Ethiopia last weekend to express support for cooperation between the United States and Ethiopia to counter rising threats to both nations.

“Ethiopia is a stable and strong partner in a region plagued by violence and unrest,” Chairman Royce said in a statement at the conclusion of the visit. “Thanks to its efforts to confront extremism, al-Shabaab has not expanded footholds in the Horn of Africa. Their impressive contributions to a number of peacekeeping missions should be commended. I also commend the Ethiopian government for the key role it has played in leading the regional mediation efforts between the warring factions in South Sudan.”

Joining Royce was a bipartisan delegation, including Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY). The delegations discussed development and economic growth, as well as Ethiopia’s record on human rights, including freedom of the press, greater opportunities and rights for women.

Officials in the Ethiopian delegation included Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Africa Union Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha, Ethiopian Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives Abadula Gemeda, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Patricia Haslach and U.S. Ambassador to the African Union Susan Page.