Further, according to the VOA report, the Japanese foreign minister expressed optimism that his nation and Ethiopia will work together to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative after a private conversation with the deputy prime minister of Ethiopia. “Japan deplores the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative by Russia, and Japan hopes to work together with Ethiopia towards the resumption of the initiative,” Hayashi said, according to VOA. Since the start of the Black Sea grain deal, which took effect in July 2022, the United Nations has overseen the export of more than 262 metric tons of wheat to Ethiopia. Demeke, who also serves as Ethiopia’s foreign minister, said the two had a productive discussion on issues of mutual interest, VOA reported. The Japanese foreign minister's stop in Ethiopia wrapped up a six-nation tour of Southwest Asia and Africa.

Source: Ethiopian News August 07, 2023 20:53 UTC