Harriett Baldwin said:

I welcome the decision of the Ethiopian Cabinet and Parliament to lift the country’s State of Emergency early. Combined with other steps taken towards reconciliation, including the release from prison of British National Andargachew Tsege, this sends a positive signal about Prime Minister Abiy’s intention to broaden political space in Ethiopia. I hope this will be followed by inclusive efforts to reform other legislation that has limited legitimate debate, including the anti-terrorism, mass media and civil society laws.

Ethiopia remains a key partner for the UK and I look forward to continuing our dialogue on such reforms, as well as on crucial matters of economic development, regional and international security.

Further information

• Follow Foreign Office Minister Harriett Baldwin @hbaldwin

• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook

• Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn