10.11.2023

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen’s Visit to Juba

Clarifying Ethiopia’s Quest for Access to the Sea

Ethiopia Submits Its Tariff Offer in Trade in Goods to the AfCFTA Secretariat

Ethiopia, Czech Republic Pledge to Enhance Bilateral Relations

News in Brief

Africa and the African Union

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Tuesday (07 November), condemned the horrific terror attack in Cameroon’s South West Region that left more than 20 civilians dead and destroyed their homes. He expressed his sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the people and the Government of Cameroon.

The AU Commission in collaboration with the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) convened a technical level meeting in Nouakchott, Mauritania from 05-07 November 2023, on revitalizing the Nouakchott and Djibouti Processes, established to address security threats in the Sahelo-Sahara and Horn of Africa/ East Africa regions respectively. More than 20 countries including Ethiopia participated in the meeting. The meeting concluded with increased determination to enhance cooperation and coordination between the Processes and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) for conflict prevention, management and resolution, and called on the AU Commission to develop operational modalities. Member States vowed to work closely with both the Processes and the Accra Initiative under AU coordination, to improve intelligence sharing and cooperation towards silencing the guns and combating terrorism and other threats in Africa.

Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday (07 November) the postponement of the fifth Arab-African summit due to developments in Gaza. The summit was scheduled to be held in Riyadh on Saturday (11 October). The Saudi Foreign Ministry, in its statement, said it had coordinated with the Arab League and AU to postpone the summit. The postponement to a later date was announced “in order to ensure that political events in the region did not affect the Arab-African partnership”, it added.

The AU-EU structured dialogue on Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation started taking place in Brussels on Thursday (09 November) focusing on experience-sharing and enhanced interoperability of outlined priorities.

The Third Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the AU and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, kicked off in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday (09 November) under the theme The AfCFTA Marketplace. It aims to provide a unique and valuable platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over US$3.5 trillion created under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Ethiopia

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his delegation arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday (10 November), to participate in the first Saudi-Africa Summit.

Prime Minister Abiy received Prime Minister Petr Fiala of the Czech Republic on Saturday (04 November) in his office, and discussed bilateral relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Abiy said the discussion aimed to build on existing relations between the two countries to further mutual development (See Article).

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala opened a Czech-Ethiopian Business Forum in Addis Ababa on Saturday (04 November). According to the Prime Minister, Ethiopia is one of his country’s key trading partners in Africa, and there is potential for more cooperation, including health and defence sectors. Mr. Fiala also said Ethiopia is an important country in terms of stability in the East Africa region. Czech officials said 14 Czech businessmen and about 40 Ethiopian businessmen participated in the forum.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, held discussions with Ousmane Dione, the Country Director of the World Bank Group in Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan and Sudan, on Thursday (09 November). The two sides exchanged views on Ethiopia’s reforms, project financing, and other related issues. Their discussion included how to strengthen cooperation, including facilitation and support for the services of the country office staff.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, held a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, January Makamba, on Thursday (09 November). The discussion between the two sides covered bilateral and regional issues of common interest. Discussions included AU issues, high-level official visits, and the next joint ministerial commission meeting between the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, received the UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, at his office on Monday (06 November). During the meeting, Dr. Ramiz said his office would work together with the Ethiopian Government on humanitarian and development issues as partners, and lauded the Pretoria Peace Agreement. Demeke appreciated the Resident Coordinator’s office and said the Office’s road map is promising. He also pointed out the achievements after the Pretoria peace agreement, and highlighted the work in progress regarding the Transitional Justice Mechanism and the All Inclusive National Dialogue. Dr. Ramiz said that the key challenge remains to be the availability of finance for humanitarian work but hoped to convince international partners to up their efforts.

Ambassador Redwan Hussein Rahmeto, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, held discussions with Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, on Wednesday (08 November) in Nairobi. The two sides reviewed the frameworks of bilateral cooperation, and discussed other issues of mutual interest. Ambassador Redwan also delivered the message of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to President William Ruto through the Cabinet Secretary’s office.

Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to work together in the petroleum and energy fields. The cooperation agreement was signed between Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, His Royal Highness Abdulaziz Bin Salman Al Saud, on Thursday (09 November) at the Saudi-African Economic Conference being held in Riyadh. The MoU would allow the two countries to cooperate in the fields of oil supply, energy technology transfer and energy investment. It would also support development activities in the field of energy and ensure fuel supply for Ethiopia.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, received and held discussions with the outgoing UNDP Representative, Mr. Turhan Saleh, at his office on Wednesday (08 November). Ambassador Mesganu said the government of Ethiopia attaches great importance to its relation with the UNDP and recognized UNDP’s role in capacity building of different institutions in the country. Expressing the honour to have served in Ethiopia, Mr. Turhan stressed that the relationship between UNDP and the Ethiopian Government is relevant and reliable. Ambassador Mesganu appreciated Mr. Turhan’s personal leadership during his tenure in Ethiopia and wished him success in his future endeavours.

State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga, on Wednesday (08 November), held discussions with Mian Atif Sharif, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Ethiopia, at his office. The discussion focused on various ways of elevating the long-standing relations between the two countries. Ambassador Mesganu expressed the need to further consolidate the existing bilateral relations on trade, investment, aviation and cultural and technical assistance. Ambassador Mian Atif, on his part, expressed the robust bilateral relations between Pakistan and Ethiopia and added the Pakistani Government’s desire to enhance the existing relations in bilateral and multilateral fora.

State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga, on Thursday (09 November), received Deputy Head of Mission of the State of Qatar to Ethiopia, Jaber Jemal Al-Awami, at his office. Highlighting the strong political and economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Qatar, Ambassador Mesganu stressed the need to capitalize on the existing potentials of investment and development cooperation between the countries. Jaber Jemal Al-Awami, on his part, stated that Qatar attaches great importance to its wide-ranging relations with Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s Government Communication Service issued a statement on Monday (06 November) regarding the first anniversary of the signing of the “Agreement for Lasting Peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities”. In the statement, the Government appraised Ethiopia’s friends and partners on the progress in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. The Peace Agreement has been instrumental in silencing the guns and paving the way for the gradual normalization of life in northern Ethiopia, the statement said. The government has shown its unwavering commitment to the implementation of the agreement through a number of bold and decisive measures to build trust and consolidate peace. It is imperative that friends and partners of Ethiopia continue to support and encourage all actors to adhere to the agreement and refrain from behaviour that would jeopardize peace and security in Ethiopia, it added. The Federal Government has vowed to redouble its efforts to consolidate peace and ensure the full implementation of the Peace Agreement.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the US, Seleshi Bekele, met and discussed with Senator Mike Rounds on Thursday (09 November). The two sides discussed US-Ethiopia relations, AGOA and trade, the implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement, and humanitarian assistance.

Following the situation in the Sudan, the Government of Ethiopia is working to evacuate Ethiopians who are unable to leave the war zone for various reasons. On Friday (03 November), the National Task Force which coordinates the evacuation brought four busloads of returnees from Khartoum through Metema. The National Task Force is providing the necessary support until the returnees reunite with their families. Previously, more than 34,700 citizens had left the war zone and returned to Ethiopia.

Eritrea

President Isaias Afwerki and his delegation arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday (09 November) to participate in the Saudi Arabia-Africa Summit.

Djibouti

Minister of Economy and Finance, Ilyas M. Dawaleh, met with Minister of Finance and Planning of South Sudan, Bak Barnaba Chol, on Thursday (09 November) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference. Both sides agreed to hold a trilateral trade facilitation and regional connectivity meeting in Djibouti City soon.

Somalia

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday (09 November) to attend the Saudi-African Conference and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, on Thursday (09 November), met with Ms. Martha Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. They discussed various matters concerning Somalia’s recent political and security developments, emphasizing the country’s journey toward a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said, in its update on Monday (06 November), rainy-season flooding in Somalia has displaced some 113,000 people and affected over 700,000. There has been an emergency declared in Somalia after torrential rains have caused flooding in some areas. Humanitarian partners and the authorities are working to respond to the evolving situation. Federal authorities have called on the Somali community, especially the business community, to support the affected people.

South Sudan

President Salva Kiir Mayardit held discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Monday (06 November) in Cairo. Both leaders discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues. They also exchanged views on the crisis in the Sudan, and called for regional peace and stability. President Kiir commended the cordial relations between Juba and Cairo, and pledged to implement joint cooperation agreements in the interest of the people of the two countries. President el-Sisi underscored the importance of pursuing “joint political, military and security coordination during this critical phase the region is passing through.”

President Kiir and his delegation travelled to Riyadh on Thursday (09 November) to attend the First Saudi-African leaders summit.

Kenya

President William Ruto arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday (09 November) for the inaugural Saudi-African Summit.

President Ruto held talks with the EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, on Tuesday (07 November) at State House in Nairobi, in the build up to a successful COP28 outcome in Dubai. The two sides discussed the follow-up to the African Climate Summit and how to maintain the momentum for global climate action it unleashed. Hoekstra said the EU will remain a staunch partner for Kenya’s green transition and both sides will jointly push for ambitious results in all areas for discussion at COP28.

The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, paid a three-day official visit to Kenya from 05-07 November 2023. He held discussions with President William Ruto, senior government officials and industry leaders. President Ruto said Kenya is committed to strengthening its ties with the Czech Republic through enhanced trade and investment. Prime Minister Fiala pointed out that his country was keen on deepening and broadening ties with Kenya for the two countries’ success. “We share a long and rich history with Kenya that we must exploit to increase trade and investment volumes,” he explained.

Sudan

The co-facilitators of the talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, IGAD also participating on behalf of the AU, and the US, in a statement issued on Tuesday (08 November), announced that the SAF and RSF have committed to take steps to facilitate increased humanitarian assistance and to implement confidence-building measures. In order to facilitate humanitarian access, belligerent parties made specific, individual commitments. The co-facilitators also expressed their regret that the parties were unable to agree on ceasefire implementation arrangements during this first round. They called upon the SAF and RSF to put the Sudanese people first, silence the guns, and seek a negotiated end to this needless war.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen’s Visit to Juba

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, visited Juba, South Sudan, from 31 October to 01 November 2023. During his visit, Demeke met with President Salva Kiir and delivered a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also held discussions with the Speaker of South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba and Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan.

In their discussions, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke and President Salva Kiir covered issues that would enable both countries to advance their bilateral relations, and coordinate their efforts on regional and international issues.

It is to be noted that Ethiopia and South Sudan enjoy robust bilateral relations cemented by blood, history, culture, and geography. Ethiopia’s relationship with South Sudan is special because of the ties that exist between the two countries. Both countries have a common destiny and aspiration for peace, stability and prosperity in the wider region.

Ethiopia has been in the forefront in efforts to support South Sudanese people in their peace venture with the underlying cognizance of the very fact that the peace and stability of South Sudan has a direct bearing on the peace and stability of Ethiopia and the wider region. Ethiopia will continue to support South Sudan in its unrelenting effort to uphold peace and stability.

People-to-people relations between the two countries are the most rewarding. Both countries share borders and the interaction of their people has the potential to increase trade and further integration. Appreciating this fact, both countries have ventured to enhance their connectivity through road infrastructure. The construction of the Pagak-Maiwut-Mthiang-Paloch, Akobo-Bor and Boma-Radd-Kapoeta roads will bring the two countries closer, and facilitate further interaction and trade. Infrastructural integration that ranges from road linkage, to power connection has the potential of further elevating the relationship and fast-tracking development in both countries.

There are also natural resources that tie Ethiopia and South Sudan together. Ensuring the equitable and reasonable utilization of the waters of the Nile is their common objective so as to meet the water, energy and food requirements in the Basin.

Ethiopia and South Sudan have an equally important role in peace and stability in the region. Both countries recognize the significance of the stability of the Sudan. And true to their longstanding position, they need to coordinate their efforts for the successful resolution of the conflict in the Sudan through a Sudanese-owned peace process.

Clarifying Ethiopia’s Quest for Access to the Sea

To the excitement of millions, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced his Government’s desire to work towards securing Ethiopia’s access to the sea by cooperating with neighboring coastal states. In a statement delivered to the members of the House of People’s Representatives, the Premier stated Ethiopia’s readiness to engage in dialogue and negotiations to achieve this end. This announcement was well received by Ethiopians who have been longing for access to the sea ever since the country became the most populous landlocked state in the world. Indeed, the huge benefit the country stands to gain is something that warrants such a warm reception. Similarly, the regional benefit that Ethiopia’s quest entails, especially in maintaining durable peace and stability as well as economic growth and development, has convinced many to welcome Ethiopia’s peaceful and legitimate quest for access to the sea.

Ethiopia’s landlocked status comes at a huge cost affecting both its economic growth and national security. As Ethiopia’s economy continues to grow, the available outlets would not be enough and that in turn continues to raise the cost for the country. With its expanding trade with the outside world, the limited capacity of available ports indeed inhibits the country’s growth and development. On the other hand, securing access for Ethiopia will further expand the economy benefiting the countries in the region as well. It would expedite infrastructure development and increase connectivity between the countries thereby enhancing regional integration based on trust, confidence and interdependence.

Moreover, the consequence of Ethiopia’s landlocked status is not limited to its economic burden. It also has political and security implications. Ethiopia has legitimate security concerns and interests due to its geographical proximity to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In fact, the security aspect of the issue makes Ethiopia’s quest for access to the sea a matter closely linked to the very survival of the nation. The Red Sea which is Ethiopia’s only sea outlet to the rest of the world has become an arena of competition in recent years. This has attracted global and regional powers to expand their presence in the area. In a situation where many countries from near and far are strengthening their presence, it is natural for Ethiopia, as a Red Sea Basin state, to ensure its national security and political interests are maintained and protected.

Considering the legitimate economic, security and political interests of Ethiopia and its significant implications, it is in the best interest of the region to entertain and consider Ethiopia’s quest for access to the sea positively. As Prime Minister Abiy clearly stated, this problem would sooner or later be unbearable for the state unless addressed on time. The question is, therefore, how?

Working and collaborating with neighboring countries consistent with the principles of friendly relations and good neighborliness with coastal states could lead to meeting Ethiopia’s objectives. Being in a region that boasts a coastline of 7000 km, there is in fact ample opportunity to ensure Ethiopia’s access to the sea through dialogue and negotiation with neighboring coastline states. The cordial bilateral relations Ethiopia enjoys with neighboring coastal states are opportunities and assets to meet Ethiopia’s aspirations. Such cordial relations have been instrumental in easing the pain that the country has been enduring for decades. The consideration of this cordial interaction is in fact at the center of Ethiopia’s quest.

At a time when the Horn of Africa faces multifaceted challenges that demand a concerted response, identifying comparative advantages and intensifying interactions would no doubt ensure economic growth as well as durable peace and security in the region. To this end, coastal states in the region should receive Ethiopia’s demands with open minds as it will provide opportunities for mutual benefit.

Ethiopia has chosen a peaceful way of addressing its quest for access to the sea. Prime Minister Abiy, in his address during the commemoration of the 116th National Army Day at Meskel Square, clarified Ethiopia’s approach. He asserted that Ethiopia would not “achieve its aspirations through the use of force or invasion” but would continue to “pursue mutual benefits through peaceful means”.

Thus, considering its legitimate interests and concerns and for the greater benefit of the entire region, Ethiopia should be supported and encouraged to realize this noble objective through dialogue and exchanges in the spirit of good neighborliness. Neighboring coastal states need not be troubled by this desire as well. With good faith negotiation based on the principle of comparative advantage, mutual benefit and common destiny, peace and stability, there is ample opportunity to meet Ethiopia’s quest for access to the sea.

Ethiopia Submits Its Tariff Offer in Trade in Goods to the AfCFTA Secretariat

Ethiopia submitted its initial tariff offers in Trade in Goods to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat earlier this week. The submission of the initial tariff offer is a crucial milestone for the successful domestication and implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement, which is expected to deepen Africa’s continental economic integration.

Ethiopia being one of the first countries that signed and ratified the AfCFTA Agreement, its recent submission of the tariff offer signifies an important milestone in its continuous commitment and effort in realizing the implementation of the agreement. It is an important step for the required legal measures as well as to meet the required level of ambition for continental integration.

Currently 54 African countries have signed the AfCFTA Agreement and 47 countries have ratified it. Ethiopia was one of the first countries to sign and ratify the AfCFTA Agreement. Taking into account Ethiopia’s international trade potential, the decision to be one of the earliest signatories to the AfCFTA Agreement is a manifestation of its commitment to regional integration. Ethiopia has put in place the necessary legal and institutional frameworks for the implementation of the Agreement.

The tariff offer in goods is a significant objective of the ‘Protocol on Trade in Goods’, one of the six protocols of the AfCFTA. It is the commitment member countries have made by entering into the AfCFTA Agreement in order to liberalize substantially all trade by eliminating tariffs on 97 percent of tariff lines over a specified period of 13 years. 

Most countries have so far submitted their tariff offers through different Customs Unions and Regional Economic Communities. Once fully operationalized, the Protocol is expected to enhance the efficiency of customs procedures, trade facilitation and transit, develop and promote regional and continental value chains, as well as enhance socio-economic development, diversification and industrialization across Africa.

Given Africa’s trade potential with a joint GDP of approximately USD 3.4 trillion, and a population of roughly 1.4 billion, the AfCFTA is expected to be the largest Free Trade Area (FTA) since the formation of the World Trade Organization.

The AfCFTA is the flagship project of Agenda 2063 of the African Union (AU) and the largest FTA Agreement. It is aimed at creating a single continental market for goods and services through accelerating intra-African trade and boosting Africa’s trading position on the global market. The Agreement was envisaged pursuant to the decision of the 18th ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU, held in 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Agreement establishing the AfCFTA was signed in 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda and the Agreement entered into force on May 30, 2019.

If implemented as envisioned, many policymakers and economists view the AfCFTA as an ambitious trade policy initiative with considerable potential to stimulate economic development in Africa. The World Bank, for example, estimates that the AfCFTA could increase Africa-wide real income by 7% and potentially lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty by 2035.

The AfCFTA Agreement at the continental level, can help overcome the numerous challenges to regional integration and substantially increase intra-African trade and investment. By leveraging trade as an engine of growth, the AfCFTA can boost opportunities for industrial diversification, generating jobs for people, especially Africa’s teeming youths, thus contributing towards the development goals of the AU’s Agenda 2063. It stimulates production through the development of regional value chains, ensuring that manufacturing, agro-processing and other activities across the continent are stimulated to supply the market, strengthen the capacities of African companies to access and supply world markets as well as strengthen African’s economic and commercial diplomacy.  

The ultimate success of the Agreement depends on the ability and political will of signatory countries to resolve the remaining issues under negotiation and effectively implement their AfCFTA commitments.

Ethiopia has played an active role throughout the AfCFTA Agreement negotiation process. As the host of the Headquarters of the AU, Ethiopia is committed to the finalization of the negotiations of the remaining protocols and their annexes as well as the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement.

Ethiopia, Czech Republic Pledge to Enhance Bilateral Relations

The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, paid an official visit to Ethiopia from 03-05 November 2023. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warmly welcomed his Czech counterpart at Bole International Airport as his visit marks a crucial step towards fostering closer ties between Ethiopia and the Czech Republic. The two sides have set a goal to enhance bilateral relations based on existing relations for the benefit of their common development, Prime Minister Abiy said.

Both premiers held discussions on strengthening existing relations between their countries. They also pledged to promote cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, trade, investment, health, military technology, and cultural exchanges.

During his visit to the Ministry of Water and Energy, the Czech Prime Minister viewed an exhibition displaying Ethiopia’s underground water and mineral resources. During the visit, Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy, Eng. Habtamu Itefa, briefed the Czech premier on the practical outcomes of cooperation between the two countries in the sector. In addition to the Czech financial contribution to Ethiopia’s water sector, the Minister noted that cooperation pertaining to hydrological studies amounts to over 38 million Euros.

The Czech Republic, through the Czech Geological Survey (CGS), has a long history of engagement in the water sector in Ethiopia including hydro-geological mapping of the entire country. This information is essential for managing Ethiopia’s water resources, which are under increasing pressure due to population growth and climate change. Czech experts came to Ethiopia in the 1970s for the construction of Melka Wakena Dam and the Jimma River Basin.

The Czech Republic’s development cooperation with Ethiopia has been ongoing since the 1970s. Since 2010, Ethiopia has been a priority country for development cooperation, and it currently supports 28 development projects. Humanitarian assistance is the other area of cooperation. A Czech NGO, People in Need (PIN), is currently working to ensure a sustainable supply of drinking water in Ethiopia, and to help farmers and people affected by drought.

The Government of the Czech Republic donated medical equipment to Abebech Gobena Mother and Children’s Memorial Hospital. Czech doctors and nurses train Ethiopian medical professionals at the hospital. During his visit to the hospital, the Czech Prime Minister promised to continue supplying medical equipment and investing in human resources development to strengthen cooperation in the health sector.

During his visit to the Ethiopian Air Force base in Bishoftu, Prime Minister Fiala also emphasized the close military cooperation between Ethiopia and the Czech Republic.

Addressing the Ethio-Czech Business Forum held on Saturday (04 November) in Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Fiala told business leaders that the Czech needs to deepen trade ties with Ethiopia. He also noted that Ethiopia is one of the most important trading partners for the Czech Republic in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Czech geologists and hydrologists have worked here for a long time. At the Forum, more than 14 Czech companies drawn from engineering, defence, agriculture, health care and logistics made effective matchmaking with their Ethiopian counterparts.

In his address to the Business Forum, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, emphasized the need to step up the link between the business communities of the two countries. Though the cordial and long-standing political relationship is exemplary, maximum effort is needed to promote the bilateral trade and investment relations, he added.

In her remarks, Mesenbet Shenkute, President of Addis Chamber, said that economic and trade relations that date back long ago now translate into trade and investment relations. Ethiopia is a big market for Czech products, she added.

The visit concluded with the two countries reaching an agreement to further strengthen bilateral relations for mutual benefit, and diversify cooperation in new areas.

Ethiopia and the Czech Republic established their formal diplomatic relations in 1947 when the then Czechoslovak Republic opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa.