German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul Pays Official Visit to Ethiopia
Preparations Underway to Host the 39th AU and Italy–Africa Summit
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske Selassie attended the 70th anniversary of Rotary International in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (January 28), where he commended the organization for its long-standing humanitarian contributions, particularly in public health and support for vulnerable communities.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received a courtesy visit on Wednesday (January 28) from the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher T. Landau and Commander of U.S. Africa Command General Dagvin Anderson, during which discussions underscored the importance of continued cooperation and mutual respect, following earlier talks the same day between Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and Deputy Secretary Landau.
Aviation Expo 2026 was officially inaugurated on Friday (January 23) in Bishoftu as part of the national commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force. The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Abiy and First Lady Zinash Tayachew, reflecting the national significance of the event and Ethiopia’s long-standing aviation heritage. (See article)
The Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, Johann Wadephul, paid an official visit to Ethiopia on Thursday (January 22), marking the first working visit to Africa by the new German government’s Foreign Minister. The visit followed the meeting between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the margins of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg and reflected the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthen bilateral relations. (See article)
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera held discussions on Wednesday (January 28) with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa Annette Weber, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with the European Union.
The Ministry of Health officially announced on Monday (January 26) that Ethiopia has successfully eradicated Marburg Virus Disease from its borders, with the announcement made during the National Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Review Forum.
Kenya
President William Ruto met on Wednesday (January 28) at State House Nairobi with South Sudan’s Presidential Special Envoy Tut Gatluak Manime, in the presence of South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Monday Semaya Kumba and Tumaini Initiative Chief Mediator Lazarus Sumbeiywo.
South Sudan
Deputy Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council Malik Agar held high-level security talks on Monday (January 26) in Juba with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, focusing on peace efforts and regional stability.
Sudan
Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met on Tuesday (January 27) with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Doha to discuss bilateral relations and regional security issues.
Africa and the African Union
Addis Ababa is in the final stages of preparations to host the 39th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) and the Second Italy–Africa Summit, scheduled to take place from February 13 to 15. The AU Summit will be held on February 14–15, preceded by the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council on February 11–12, while the Italy–Africa Meeting is set for February 13. (See article)
Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf received on Wednesday (January 28) a high-level United States delegation led by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and including U.S. AFRICOM Commander General Dagvin Anderson, with discussions centering on regional issues of mutual interest.
Earlier the same day, Chairperson Youssouf met with Akuei Bona Malwal, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan, to discuss regional developments and the importance of African-led, dialogue-based solutions.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye paid a courtesy visit on Tuesday (January 27) to Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, exchanging views on Ethiopia’s preparations for the upcoming AU Summit and key issues on the African Union agenda.
Aviation Expo 2026 Spotlights Ethiopia’s Rise as Africa’s Aviation Powerhouse, Marking 90 Years of the Ethiopian Air Force
Aviation Expo 2026 was officially inaugurated on Friday (January 23) in Bishoftu as part of the national commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force. The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew, reflecting the national significance of the event and Ethiopia’s long-standing aviation heritage.
The Expo was organized under the theme “Flying Forward, Building a Shared Future,” with the objective of showcasing Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing aviation and aerospace development. The event aimed to strengthen international partnerships while positioning Ethiopia as a regional and continental hub for innovation, skills development, and sustainable growth in the aviation sector.
The opening ceremony brought together senior government officials, military leaders, representatives of the Ethiopian Air Force, and invited guests from partner countries and institutions. Their participation reflected the importance of the aviation sector in Ethiopia’s national development agenda and regional engagement.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the historic role of the Ethiopian Air Force in safeguarding national sovereignty and serving as a source of national pride. He stated that the Air Force has, throughout its long history and at many critical moments, served as a shield for the country and successfully defended Ethiopia against forces that sought to undermine its independence.
The Prime Minister further noted that the Aviation Expo reflects Ethiopia’s strategic vision to strengthen its influence in aviation on the continent. He underscored that the current capability of the Ethiopian Air Force represents the highest and most advanced level it has attained over the past 90 years, reflecting sustained institutional development and reform. He also stressed that by bringing together diverse aviation actors and innovations, Ethiopia is reinforcing its position as a continental aviation hub and promoting deeper collaboration in aerospace development.
The Premier also addressed Ethiopia’s broader national potential, noting that the country’s wealth, history, and capabilities are often not fully recognized. He described Ethiopia as a growing nation and emphasized its role as a symbol of Africa’s renewal and renaissance, reaffirming the country’s contribution to the continent’s collective progress.
Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa, Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force, also addressed the gathering, outlining the pivotal contributions of the Air Force over nine decades. He remarked that the 90th-year commemorations and associated events, including the Black Lion Air Show 2026, symbolize resilience, innovation, and Ethiopia’s commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and promoting regional cooperation. His address stressed the strategic importance of aviation as both a defense necessity and a driver of technological progress.
Beyond marking a significant milestone in celebrating 90 years of the Ethiopian Air Force, Aviation Expo 2026 served as a platform to demonstrate Ethiopia’s ambitions in aviation and aerospace development while reinforcing cooperation with international partners. The Expo also showcased the Ethiopian Air Force’s transformation into a modern institution capable of contributing to national security, technological advancement, and regional stability.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul Pays Official Visit to Ethiopia
The Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, Johann Wadephul, paid an official visit to Ethiopia on Thursday (January 22), marking the first working visit to Africa by the new German government’s Foreign Minister. The visit followed the meeting between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the margins of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg and reflected the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthen bilateral relations.
During the visit, prime minister Abiy Ahmed held discussions with Foreign Minister Wadephul where the talks focused on bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos received the German Foreign Minister and expressed appreciation for the strong political will demonstrated by Germany to deepen its engagement with Ethiopia and reaffirmed the Ethiopian government’s corresponding commitment. Minister Wadephul underscored Ethiopia’s importance as a partner for Germany, citing its strategic location, its role as host of the African Union, and its large population and economic potential. The two sides agreed to further enhance their partnership, with particular emphasis on strengthening economic relations, increasing German investment, diversifying and expanding trade cooperation, and promoting collaboration in the tourism sector.
Following their meeting, the two Foreign Ministers held a joint press briefing attended by local media and several outlets from Germany.
The German Foreign Minister was accompanied by members of the German Parliament and five business delegations. Members of the German Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee also held discussions with Dima Negao, Chairperson of the House of Peoples’ Representatives Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace, and with Berhanu Adello, Ethiopian Human Rights Commissioner. In addition, a business roundtable was convened with the participation of Bayer and other leading German companies.
Formal diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Germany were established in 1905 with the signing of the Treaty of Commerce and Friendship. Emperor Haile Selassie became the first foreign leader to pay an official visit to Germany following the establishment of the Federal Republic in 1954. Since then, the two countries have maintained a strong and longstanding diplomatic and political partnership. Germany remains one of the principal destinations for Ethiopia’s export products, particularly coffee, and is also a major development partner. Under the Ethio–German Three-Year Cooperation Framework Agreement (2025–2027), Germany has pledged a total of EUR 206 million in support to Ethiopia.
Preparations Underway to Host the 39th AU and Italy–Africa Summit
Addis Ababa is in the final stages of preparations to host the 39th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) and the Second Italy–Africa Summit, scheduled to take place from February 13 to 15. The AU Summit will be held on February 14–15, preceded by the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council on February 11–12, while the Italy–Africa Meeting is set for February 13.
In this context, the Government of Ethiopia, in close coordination with the African Union, has been undertaking comprehensive preparations to ensure the smooth and successful organization of both high-level gatherings. The Head of the National Organizing Committee and State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, has been engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to strengthen coordination across sectors and institutions involved in hosting the events.
Briefing on the security and intelligence arrangements, Ambassador Berhanu noted that the preparedness plan reflects the full readiness and commitment of Ethiopia’s security forces, working in close cooperation with the public, to ensure that the summits are conducted without security concerns. He underscored that security planning forms an integral part of the broader logistical and operational preparations.
The theme of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, to be held in February, is “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” The summit will focus on issues related to water management and sanitation, alongside broader discussions on peace, security, and economic integration. These priorities reflect the interconnected nature of development challenges facing the continent.
The African Union formally launched preparations for the summit on January 12, with the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) convening at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa. This marked the beginning of a structured institutional process that will define the Union’s political, security, and development agenda for the year. The preparatory cycle includes the Executive Council session, which will consolidate recommendations before they are submitted to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, making this sequence a central feature of the AU’s annual governance framework.
In reference to the summit’s theme, Chairperson of the AU Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has emphasized that water stress has evolved into a structural development challenge for Africa. Factors such as population growth, urbanization, climate variability, and infrastructure gaps have elevated water access to a governance issue with implications for social stability and long-term development.
This thematic emphasis also builds on commitments made during the September 2025 climate summit and is expected to contribute to the formulation of a coordinated African position ahead COP32 in 2027, which is going to be hosted on the African continent, with Ethiopia designated as the venue.
Similarly, the Second Italy–Africa Summit will be held in Addis Ababa for the first time and at the level of Heads of State and Government, as announced by President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, during her beginning-of-year press conference. The meeting, which takes place on the eve of the AU Summit, marks the first time the biennial Italy–Africa Summit is being hosted in Africa, reflecting the evolving nature of Italy–Africa relations and increased political engagement between the two sides.
Together, the 39th African Union and Italy–Africa Summits underscore Addis Ababa’s continued role as a center for continental and international diplomacy. The concurrent hosting of these high-level gatherings reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen multilateral cooperation, advance Africa’s development priorities, and deepen partnerships with international stakeholders within an established institutional framework.
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