The meeting, which is being attended by the newly appointed chair of the election board, Birtukan Mideksa, signals the beginning of a series of talks between the governing Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and opposition groups ahead of elections in 2020.

In his opening address Mr Abiy affirmed his government's commitment to hold a free and fair election and support the opposition which he urged to be less fragmented.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says the talks are about "the building of democratic institutions and culture"Image caption: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says the talks are about "the building of democratic institutions and culture"

The prime minister also spoke about a free press, according to his office's Twitter account:

Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia@PMEthiopia

A significant number of private and public media houses - well over 25- including international media covering today’s discussion with leaders of competing political parties.

Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia @PMEthiopia

A free, independent and responsible media – augmented by the workings of citizen journalism – is an imperative prerequisite for building a sustainable democratic political order.#PMO

16 AM - Nov 27, 2018

Many of the country's main opposition groups had been based outside Ethiopia and only recently returned, following the prime minister's programme of reforms since taking office seven months ago.

But ethnic unrest has continued to challenge the new administration.

More than one million people are displaced across the country by ethnically motivated attacks and conflicts.