Breaking news, White House Statement:

White House PresidentJoe Biden announced that he had a telephone conversation with Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed.

President Joe Biden held talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed on the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia and efforts to establish peace and reconciliation.

President Biden thanked the Prime Minister for the recent release of a number of political prisoners.

The two leaders discussed ways to accelerate the ceasefire, improve humanitarian access throughout Ethiopia, and address the human rights needs of all affected Ethiopians, including Ethiopians detained under the state of emergency.

Joe Biden expressed concern over the ongoing conflict, including the recent airstrikes, and expressed concern over the United States' commitment to working with the African Union and its regional partners to resolve the conflict peacefully.

The two leaders stressed the importance of US-Ethiopian relations and the need for concrete improvements in strengthening cooperation and resolving the conflict.