Addressing the high-level general debate at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, President Taye Atske Selassie called for an immediate end to foreign intervention destabilizing East Africa, urging outside forces to respect the right of the region’s people to live in peace.

The Ethiopian President highlighted his country’s significant achievements in the Horn of Africa through regional integration, infrastructure development, and strengthened people-to-people ties. However, he emphasized that Ethiopia is demonstrating immense patience in countering the interference of destructive actors working against peace and solidarity. He stressed that foreign meddling must cease so that mutual development and lasting peace can be secured across the region. 

Turning to Sudan, President Taye pointed out that achieving sustainable peace is only possible through a peace process led and owned by the Sudanese people themselves, confirming that Ethiopia will continue to support regional institutions in their peacebuilding efforts.

In his address, President Taye also reiterated his call for an urgent, comprehensive overhaul of the UN Security Council to correct Africa's lack of equal representation. He stated that the era of a continent home to 1.6 billion people being governed by decisions made without its participation must end, underscoring that structural reform is a just demand spanning generations. 

Reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to collective security as a founding UN member, the President noted that multilateralism must serve as a shared shelter grounded in the sovereign equality of nations, rather than merely a diplomatic convenience.