WASHINGTON, D.C. – On behalf of the U.S. Agency for International Development, I join President Obama in extending my heartfelt condolences to the family of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and to the people of Ethiopia. Under Prime Minister Meles’ leadership, Ethiopia made strides in advancing food security, economic growth, health, and education. Prime Minister Meles was a key driver in the development of comprehensive agricultural and economic development plans in Ethiopia and throughout East Africa that have contributed to broad-based growth in agriculture, industry, and services. Just last year, 7.5 million people withstood a devastating drought without the need of emergency food aid because of the progress made by the Ethiopian Government’s Productive Safety Net Program. Recently, Ethiopia further strengthened its international engagement in this area by entering into the G-8 New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, a collaborative effort that will reinforce Prime Minister Meles’ desire to lift millions of Ethiopians out of poverty. USAID remains committed to supporting this alliance and to carrying on the Prime Minister’s legacy of progress in securing a healthier, more prosperous future for the people of Ethiopia.