Addis Ababa, 6 December 2014 (WIC) – Ethiopia has an irreplaceable role not only in ascertaining lasting regional peace and stability but also in enhancing economic integration among member states, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said.

In his exclusive interview with WIC, the Executive secretary of IGA Ambassador (Eng) Mahboub M. Maalim said Ethiopia has been excreting consolidates efforts to bring peaceful coexistence among all the people in the region.

Ethiopia’s managerial role in regional cooperation and assisting IGAD in its efforts to achieve its targets is really a first level class, the Ambassador said, calling up on other countries in the region to work hard like Ethiopia so that IGAD could effectively accomplish its missions.

Ethiopia’s contribution in achieving peace, prosperity and regional integration is praiseworthy, he added

IGAD has been implementing multifaceted programs in the member countries, the Executive secretary said, adding that it has been doing its level best to enhancing food security, strengthening environmental protection, maintaining peace and security, facilitating humanitarian affairs and realizing economic integration.

According to the Ambassador, IGAD has also been exerting efforts in harmonizing macro-economic policies, enhancing trade and investment, promoting country cross infrastructure constructions and promoting free movement of the people in the region.

IGAD has been working industriously to create free trade areas in the region, Ambassador Maalim said, adding that the economic relation between Ethiopia and Djibouti could be taken as a typical example for regional economic integration.

There are cases in which one country guarantee agreements of financial loans for any other country in the region with the motive of strengthening regional economic integration.

Despite these multifaceted regional programs and achievements, IGAD has been facing various challenges incorporating socio-economic and political affairs.

The displacement of a large number of people due to either depletion of land or conflicts is one of the challenges that IGAD has faced so far, the Executive Secretary added.

He also said that in some countries where election results become unacceptable and ended in violence and political stability is the other challenge that IGAD faced.

In connection to the First IGAD International Scientific Conference on Health undertaking in Addis Ababa since the 3rd of December 2014, he stated the conference helps to map out new directions and policy orientations for accelerated and sustainable delivery of health services to the people in the region.