Foreign Minister Tedros welcomed a delegation from the United Nations led by Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, at his office.

Mr. Sidibé, who heads up the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS, congratulated the minister on his new position before offering condolences on the untimely passing of the late Prime Minister, Meles.

The Under-Secretary-General also took the opportunity to highlight the tremendous progress Ethiopia has made in reducing HIV/AIDS infection rates by 90%. This compared to a continental average of 50%. Dr. Tedros explained that the success of the national HIV/AIDS campaign was due to continuing support and assistance of the UN.

The two sides also discussed the improving security situation in Somalia, with the Under-Secretary General welcoming Ethiopia's role in support of peace in the region. Dr. Tedros also briefed Mr. Sidibé on the progress of the negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan, expressing hope that the two sides would reach agreement at the AU summit in January.

The Minister and the Under-Secretary-General agreed on the importance of further regional economic integration for the cause of peace and stability. They also expressed their full commitment to the African Union Roadmap on AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria.