ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia government officials have told Bikyamasr.com that they are optimistic that a new strategic pact with Kenya can “have real results.” The official's comments come as Kenya and Ethiopia on Monday said that they would work closely together to promote peace and security in the region. The statements came at the technical meeting of the 34th Kenya- Ethiopia Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) which opened yesterday in Nairobi, Kenya. “I think what we are witnessing is the true beginning of regional cooperation on all issues,” said the official, who was not authorized to speak to the media. “We in East Africa should work together on all sorts of issues and the meetings are a great start.” The two-day Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting discussed strengthening of bilateral ties in the areas of politics, socio-economics, security and foreign affairs and will culminate in the signing of draft bilateral agreements. “Kenya and Ethiopia have agreed to accelerate efforts aimed at searching for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, including consolidation of the gains in Somalia,” said Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Thuita Mwangi. He added that the meeting would address pending cooperation instruments identified during the 33rd session of the JMC which was held in Ethiopia. Wondimu Asaminew, Director General of the African Directorate of Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that Ethiopia attached great importance to its relations with Kenya. “A second meeting of senior officials in less than 6 months underlines the paramount importance of our bilateral cooperation,” he said, adding that both nations “are committed to enhancing cooperation on major regional and international issues of interest.” Wondimu added that both parties would work together to promote peace and stability in the continent as well as strengthen the institutions of the African Union and of its development program, the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
