Italy's premier Mario Draghi has called for "an immediate cessation of hostilities" in Ethiopia and urged the conflict-hit country's warring sides to start "inclusive political dialogue".
During phone talks on Wednesday with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed, Draghi "expressed profound concern at the grave humanitarian crisis all sides for an immediate cessation of hostilities," said a statement from Draghi's office.
With a view to rapidly stabilising Ethiopia, Draghi offered Ahmed Italy's help in rebuilding the African country's financial institutions, according to the statement.
"The two leaders recalled the historic bilateral ties between their countries and discussed the conflict in Ethiopia," the statement added.
The year-old war between Ethiopia's government and the northern Tigray regions leadership has killed thousands of civilians and displaced millions.
