It was disclosed that the long standing cordial relations between Ethiopia and South Africa is getting momentum.

Chairperson of the Foreign, Defense and Security Affairs standing committee with the House, hon. Ambassador Mohammed Ali stated this the while he talked with a visiting team from the National Defense College of South Africa on 7th of Nov. 2007.

Hon. Ambassador Mohammed who recalled that Ethiopia had been extending military support to African National Congress during the reign of Apartheid, said that the long standing relations between the two countries is being intensified time and again.

During discussions, questions were raised by the team regarding food security situation in Ethiopia, utilization of the Blue Nile, the situation in Somalia, and others.

As far as food security is concerned, Hon. Ambassador Mohammed, in his response, stated that the government has designed and implemented a strategy that would help to ensure food security at house hold level.

With regard to utilization of the Blue Nile, he said, discussions have been made among riparian countries to implement mechanisms designed for equitable utilization of the water.

As to the issue of Somalia, the Ethiopian defense force moved to Somalia to protect the danger posed by the Union of Islamic Courts on the sovereignty of Ethiopia based on article 51 of the UN charter as well as in accordance with request of support from the Transitional Government of Somalia, he said.

Earlier, head of study, Research and Documentation center of the secretariat of the House, Ato Tesfaye Abera has provided explanations on the history of the Ethiopian parliaments established under various constitutions since 1931 G.C.

Meanwhile, a representative of the visiting team, Brigadier General Scheaman explained that the visit is aimed at acquiring experiences on the activities of the parliament, the developmental endeavors of Ethiopia and the current political situation of East Africa.

The team would travel to India for a similar mission, it was noted.