State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Aklilu Hailemikael met with Chief of Cabinet of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mr. Ovais Sarmad on the margins of the 28th AU Summit on Tuesday (January 31, 2017), during which the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to advance cooperation in areas of engaging the Diaspora to national development, and boosting partnership on migration management, and mitigation of Climate Change.
State Minister Dr. Aklilu commended IOM’s contribution to Ethiopia’s efforts of engaging the Diaspora to national development, particularly noting the organization’s support in the formulation of Ethiopia’s Diaspora Engagement Policy.
The Organization is working closely with Ethiopia in the efforts of actively involving the Diaspora in the economic development of the country through investment, technology and skills transfer, remittances, and image building of their country, Dr. Aklilu noted.
He said IOM has the potential to work closely with Ethiopia in the country’s New Diaspora Mapping project implementations. He pointed out that Diaspora engagement brings comprehensive development and well-being to a country as well as generates benefit for the Diaspora themselves.
Mr. Ovais Sarmad praised the support the Government of Ethiopia extended in the implementation of IOM’s Projects. He said, “We acknowledge the support and cooperation we have with Ethiopia.”
He added IOM is currently working in concert with the Government of Ethiopia in areas of Diaspora engagement, migration and management of displaced people and repatriation of citizens.
The two sides also shared global best experiences in engaging Diaspora to national development, among which the experiences of Mexico and India were taken note of.
