The U.S. has welcomed Ethiopia's "selection" of their new Prime Minister and new Deputy Prime Minister. State Department Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement, late on Friday, that the U.S. "warmly welcomes Ethiopia's selection of Hailemariam Desalegn as the country's new Prime Minister and Demeke Mekonnen as the new Deputy Prime Minister." "We commend the Government of Ethiopia for undertaking an historic, peaceful, and constitutional transition of power," she affirmed. She added "we have had a productive relationship with Mr. Hailemariam in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister." "We look forward to working with him in his new position to advance issues of mutual concern to the United States and Ethiopia, including strengthening economic development, advancing democracy and human rights, and promoting regional security," she remarked.