17.11.2023

Ethiopian Premier Addresses Lawmakers

Ethiopia Participates in the First Saudi-Africa Summit

Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia Agree to Diversify Bilateral Relations

Launch of Second Conference on Good Neighbourliness Along the Ethio-Kenya-Somalia Border

News in Brief

Africa and the African Union

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Thursday (16 November) received the new Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Claver Gatete. The two sides held consultations on how to deepen the two institutions’ key strategic partnership towards implementing Agenda 2063 as part of the global common agenda to achieve sustainable development for Africans.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Monday (13 November), urged Liberians to display the highest level of resilience, civic commitment via voter-turnout and voting peacefully, as well as confidence in the dividends of effective democratic governance through the second presidential runoff elections that took place on Tuesday. The Chairperson called on all stakeholders, particularly political parties and leaders as well as the National Election Commission, to use the election as an opportunity to enhance public trust in democratic practice. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the AU to continue to support the Republic of Liberia in its efforts to consolidate democracy, peace and development.

Moussa Faki Mahamat met with the Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, Ivan Šimonović, on Monday (13 November). Both sides exchanged views on opportunities for scaling up the partnership between the two institutions in support of peacebuilding and sustaining peace in Africa.

AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, held consultations with UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding, Elizabeth Spehar, on Monday (13 Monday). The two sides explored ways to effectively scale up collaboration between the two institutions to help consolidate peace for sustainable development.

The sixth informal annual consultative meeting between the AUPSC and the UN Peacebuilding took place in Addis Ababa on Monday (13 November). At the meeting, participants called for impactful collaboration between the two institutions, building on ‘A New Agenda for Peace’, and a revised AU Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) Policy. Ahead of the 2024 Summit of the Future and the 2025 Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture, the two bodies renewed their commitment to accelerating their collective support for prevention and peacebuilding on the continent.

The AU and EU officials postponed the AU-EU Ministerial meeting scheduled for 20 November 2023. The officials further reaffirmed their commitment to a strong partnership to face current global challenges.

Ethiopia

President Sahle-Work Zewde opened the 2023 African Economic Conference held in Addis Ababa on Thursday (16 November) with a call to redouble efforts for a robust industrial sector that can withstand external shocks. In her opening remarks, the President described sustainable and inclusive industrialization as essential and ‘should be embraced by all. No one should be left behind in the making and sharing of resources. Africa must tackle climate change, political instability and conflict, which can be destructive to economic growth and human capital and threaten economic and social development, she added.

President Sahle-Work received Ivan Šimonović, the Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), and his delegation on Thursday (16 November) at her office. The Chair briefed the President on the achievements, challenges and plans of the PBC. The President pointed out that there will not be sustainable peace without conflict prevention and breaking the vicious circle of fighting, killing and destruction. Referring to her own experience, the President added that peace building has to be inclusive and address the needs of communities.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed participated in the inaugural Leader’s Session of the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit on Friday (17 November). Prime Minister Abiy shared the importance of deepening cooperation, speaking with one voice, promoting an increased role in global economic affairs, and capitalizing on innovation and artificial intelligence among Global South countries. Considering our vast resources and shared development goals, the Global South holds immense potential for enhancing South-South economic cooperation, he added. He also thanked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for convening the Summit.

Prime Minister Abiy received General Abdelfattah Al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of the Sudan on Wednesday (15 November) at his office. The two sides exchanged views on current issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Abiy addressed the third year fourth regular session of the House of Peoples Representatives on Tuesday (14 November). The Prime Minister addressed lawmakers’ questions, reviewing recent political, economic, security, and diplomatic developments in the country and the region (See Article)

Prime Minister Abiy and his delegation took part in the first Saudi-Africa Summit in Riyadh on Friday (10 November). On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister conferred with President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest (See Article)

Alongside the first Saudi-Africa Summit, Prime Minister Abiy met with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest (See Article)

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, held a discussion with the President of the South Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Chang Wonsam, in his office on Friday (17 November). During the discussion, Demeke emphasized the growing relationship between the two countries and called for greater cooperation in a variety of fields. Chang Wonsam, on his part, stated that Ethiopia’s historical relations would be prioritized for future cooperation in sustainable development and international forums.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen had a discussion with the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General to South Sudan and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, on Friday (17 November) in his office. The discussion highlighted the importance of Ethiopia’s involvement in promoting peace and stability in South Sudan, and demonstrated the commitment of both parties to furthering the peace process. Both sides underlined that Ethiopia and the international community at large, including IGAD, AU, UN and neighbouring countries should work together to ensure the successful implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, held a discussion with EU Managing Director for Africa, Ambassador Rita Laranjinha, on Wednesday (15 November) in his office. In the discussion, Demeke stressed the importance of a sectoral dialogue between the two sides, and Ethiopia’s preparation for the upcoming meeting on 07 December 2023. Demeke also briefed the Ambassador about the Government’s efforts to ensure peace in Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions, further explaining the matters regarding the all-inclusive National Dialogue, and the Transitional Justice Mechanism. Ambassador Rita Laranjinha, on her part, lauded the revamped Ethiopia-EU relations and Ethiopian Government’s efforts to ensure peace and security in the country. She said the EU would provide all necessary assistance to that end.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, on Wednesday (15 November), welcomed the decision of USAID to resume food assistance. He said the Ethiopian Government has always been committed to ensuring that humanitarian food assistance reaches only those in need. In the last five months, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Government has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to further enhance the aid delivery system by taking important reform measures in close coordination and cooperation with USAID, as well as other bilateral and multilateral partners. With the robust system put in place jointly, it is imperative to expedite the food aid resumption process to reach all those in need, he added.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, on Monday (13 November), addressed the 4th workshop session promoting the upcoming COP28. The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Addis Ababa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and the UNESCO office in Addis Ababa jointly organized the session. In his opening remarks, the State Minister accentuated the interconnectedness of women’s empowerment and climate change. He affirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to reducing its vulnerability to the effects of climate change through its ambitious Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy and the National Adaptation Plan. He also called for the commitment of all to break down barriers, promoting gender equality and taking bold action to safeguard the planet and ensure a brighter future for generations.

State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga received and conferred with Russian Ambassador Evgeny Terekhin on Thursday (16 November) in his office. The two sides noted the need to enhance cooperation between the two countries in bilateral and multilateral forums, further discussing the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit.

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Meles Alem, in his bi-weekly press briefing conducted on Thursday (16 November), stated that the Global Black Heritage History and Education Centre (GBHHC) is to set up its headquarters in Addis Ababa on 08 December 2023. The center’s decision to open its headquarters in Ethiopia is a recognition of the country’s vibrant history in Pan-African movements, the spokesperson said. It is a great opportunity to have the center in Addis Ababa to further boost Ethiopia’s standing in the tourism sector too, he added.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the State of Kuwait, Dr. Sied Muhumed Jibril, presented his credentials to Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in a ceremony held at the Bayan Palace on Wednesday (15 November). Ambassador Sied conveyed the good wishes of President Sahle-Work Zewde and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the Emir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and lauded the historical relations between the two countries. The Crown Prince expressed gratitude for the goodwill wishes of the Ethiopian President and Prime Minister, and affirmed Kuwait’s readiness to strengthen its bilateral and multilateral relations with Ethiopia.

USAID announced on Tuesday (14 November) it is set to resume food assistance across Ethiopia beginning next month. This announcement came following the US significant diplomatic engagement and negotiation over the last several months, resulting in widespread and substantial reforms of the food assistance structure by the Government of Ethiopia and humanitarian partners. These reforms allow, USAID stressed, for enhanced oversight and beneficiary selection that provide the confidence it needs that food assistance will reach the most vulnerable populations who are the intended recipients. USAID also expressed its commitment to a one-year trial period of nationwide resumption, during which it will continuously monitor and evaluate the efficacy of the reforms it put in place, its implementing partners, and the Ethiopian Government.

Ethiopian Airlines and its longstanding partner Boeing, on Tuesday (14 November), announced their agreement for an order for eleven 787 Dreamliner and twenty 737 MAX airplanes with an opportunity for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively. The agreement, signed by Ethiopia’s national carrier at the Dubai Airshow, represents the largest-ever purchase of Boeing airplanes in African history. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, expressed his pleasure that the Airlines reached a deal with Boeing to place a firm order for the aforesaid ultra-modern airplanes, with opportunity for additional jets.

Eritrea

President Isaias Afwerki held talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday (13 November). The two sides exchanged views on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors including investment and trade.

Alongside the Saudi-Africa Summit, President Isaias held talks with the Presidents of Egypt and Somalia. In the discussions, President Isaias stated Eritrea’s willingness to closely collaborate and consult with both countries on matters of regional security. He also called for an integrated effort by Egypt and other nations in the region to find a long-term solution to the Sudanese conflict under the auspices of neighboring countries and to steer clear of several initiatives. The Egyptian President, for his part, stressed his country’s commitment to working toward developing bilateral relations and strengthening all-around relations with Eritrea. The two leaders decided to continue ongoing discussions and follow-ups on regional issues in general as well as those pertaining to Sudan, Somalia, and the Red Sea region. As well, the Somalian President expressed appreciation for Eritrea’s contribution to the ongoing reconstruction of Somali sovereign institutions, with a specific focus on the national army. The two leaders also reached an accord regarding the stability of the Red Sea and regional matters.

President Isaias also met with leaders and senior government officials from South Sudan, Sudan, Gabon, Burundi, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. In the meetings, cooperation on bilateral and regional issues of common concern was discussed. The agendas discussed include strengthening bilateral ties with the respective countries, finding a long-term solution to the Sudanese conflict, and the situation prevailing in West Africa, among others.

President Isaias Afwerki held talks with Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, in Riyadh on Saturday (11 November). Discussions centred on a strategic roadmap for Saudi-Eritrea cooperation in investments in agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry.

Djibouti

President Ismail Omar Guelleh took part in the League of Arab States and Organization of Islamic Countries meetings on Saturday (11 November) where he condemned Israel’s aggression in Gaza. He pointed out that the Palestinian people are suffering from an unacceptable tragedy, and Gaza endures a tragedy. He also reiterated that member states must act quickly to end Israel’s aggression against the people of Palestine.

President Guelleh participated in the first Saudi-Africa Summit that took place in Riyadh on Friday (10 November). The President said the Summit would enhance the economic and strategic cooperation between Saudi and Africa. He also affirmed his country’s support for Arab and Islamic solidarity in the face of Israeli aggression against Palestine. Alongside the Summit, President Guelleh met with General Abdelfattah Alburhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of the Sudan, where they discussed the challenges facing the Sudan and ways to reach a consensus to resolve the matter. He also held talks with President Salva Kiir of South Sudan and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia.

The Republic of Djibouti launched its first satellite, Djibouti 1A, on Saturday (11 November), from Vandenberg Space Force Base on-board the SpaceX Transporter-9 dedicated SSO rideshare mission. President Guelleh lauded the ‘historic moment’ with the successful take-off of DJIBOUTI-1A. He also said Djibouti is entering a space age, contributing to the collection of crucial data for the country.

Somalia

The UN Security Council, on Wednesday (15 November), voted unanimously to adopt a resolution that extends the mandate of the African Union Transition Mission to Somalia (ATMIS) for another six months.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid a working visit to the Republic of Burundi on Wednesday (15 November) at the invitation of Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye. The two leaders held a tête-à-tête meeting during which they re-affirmed their strong commitment to deepening the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries and their peoples. Burundian troops’ role in the ATMIS, priorities of the East African Community (EAC), and the current state of affairs in Sudan, among others, were issues discussed.

President Mohamud addressed the Saudi-Africa Summit, on Friday (10 November), underscoring the historic Somalia-Saudi relationship. In his address, he commended Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation and Somalia’s commitment to economic reform and anti-terrorism efforts. The President emphasized that Somalia is open for business accompanied by its strategic location, untapped resources, and a vibrant and entrepreneurial youth.

President Mohamud held a meeting with British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, on Monday (13 November). The discussion focused on enhancing the UK-Somalia strategic partnership, addressing the impact of El Niño, and preparations for the upcoming Global Food Summit.

President Mohamud chaired an emergency meeting of the Somali Ministerial Council on Monday (13 November). The President urged cabinet members to redouble their efforts in the management and relief of citizens affected by the heavy floods that occurred in many parts of the country.

President Mohamud had a meeting with the President of Iraq, Abdul Latif Rashid, in Riyadh on Sunday (12 November). The leaders discussed the exchange of experiences and security cooperation considering the fact that both Somalia and Iraq are struggling with terrorist attacks.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud participated in the Somalia-Saudi investment roundtable meeting in Riyadh on Sunday (12 November), where he explained the wide opportunities for investment in Somalia in the session.

Somalia and Saudi Arabia signed a security cooperation agreement in Riyadh on Sunday (12 November), marking a historic step towards strengthening their alliance. The agreement was signed between Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Saudi’s Ministry of Interior.

South Sudan

President Salva Kiir Mayardit held talks with his counterparts from Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti and Sudan, in Riyadh on Saturday (11 November), to discuss the conflict in the Sudan. The meetings focused on ways to resolve the conflict.

Kenya

President William Ruto held a telephone conversation with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday (16 November). The two leaders agreed to set up a Joint Economic Committee to fast-track bilateral cooperation. Both sides conferred on issues related to the Third Summit of Democracy for the Future that the two countries will co-host in Nairobi in March 2024. The two leaders also discussed the forthcoming Korea-Africa Summit to be held in June next year, at which President Ruto confirmed Kenya’s attendance. Kenya also expressed its commitment to working with South Korea on the success of Expo 2030, which South Korea plans to host.

President Ruto received Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, who was on a state visit to Kenya, on Tuesday (14 November) at the Statehouse in Nairobi. President Ruto said Kenya would broaden its cooperation with Romania in areas such as agriculture, ICT, environmental conservation, disaster management, among others. He added that more attention would be paid to trade and investments so as to boost exports and improve the balance of trade. The leaders also witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding on Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Cooperation on Sanitary, Veterinary and Food Safety, Agricultural Research and Cooperation and the Diplomatic Institute and the Foreign Service Academy of Kenya. President Iohannis, on his part, pledged that his country would take efficient action to put projects of mutual interest into motion, both at the EU and the bilateral levels. Romania launched its first National Strategy on Africa, and Kenya ranks among its top strategic priorities, he added.

Sudan

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan held talks with President William Ruto on Monday (13 November) in Nairobi. The leaders held bilateral talks on the recent security situation in the Sudan and the region. They reviewed the state of the ongoing peace initiatives, including the Jeddah and the IGAD peace processes. The leaders underscored the urgent need to find a solution to the conflict in the Sudan in the shortest time possible. Recognizing the slow progress in Jeddah, the leaders stressed the urgency to accelerate the process towards cessation of hostilities and humanitarian assistance. They also reached an agreement to work towards the convening of an urgent IGAD Summit to find ways to accelerate the Jeddah process towards cessation of hostilities in the Sudan.

The Chair of the IGAD Quartet on the Sudan and Kenya’s President William Ruto received a briefing from IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, on the Jedda Process on Tuesday (14 November) at the Statehouse in Nairobi. The Executive Secretary explained that although the two warring sides in the Sudan agreed on humanitarian assistance, owing to a number of factors, they had not engaged on the substantive matter of the ceasefire. He emphasized the need to obtain an immediate ceasefire as a prerequisite for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people in need across Sudan. In view of the urgency of the situation and the deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground, consultations with IGAD leaders continue. President Ruto said a substantive ceasefire is the foundation of a successful peace process in Sudan, and it is the only way to end violence and accelerate humanitarian aid.

The AUPSC held a Ministerial session on the situation in the Sudan on Wednesday (15 November). The session condemned the armed conflict and its negative impact on civilians and neighbouring states. It called for an African-led peace process, and urged belligerents to silence the guns. It also reiterated the urgent need for a return to a civilian-led political process. IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, briefed the AUPSC Ministerial Session about the evolving situation in the Sudan. As the co-facilitator of the Jeddah Sudan process, he provided the Council with an update on the dialogue, and reiterated IGAD’s call for an immediate ceasefire in order to silence the guns. He also called upon the international community to support the collective journey towards establishing enduring peace and stability in the Sudan.

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Ethiopian Premier Addresses Lawmakers

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed the third year fourth regular session of the House of Peoples Representatives on Tuesday (14 November). The Prime Minister addressed lawmakers’ questions, reviewing recent political, economic, security, and diplomatic developments in the country and the region.

Discussing the political situation at home, the Premier underscored the importance of clarity of thought regarding what the country wants to accomplish. “The first step to solving problems is to clearly understand the problems we are facing”, he stated. He emphasized that negative narratives do not build a nation, and that emotional and conspiracy-based methods of solving problems will not lead to sustainable solutions; they will only lead us further away from the truth. In light of the public’s disproportionate focus on the nation’s political history, the Premier called for a balanced historical perspective that reflects the roots of our nation’s rich and complex social and cultural traditions. The Premier believes Ethiopia now needs patriotic citizens.

As part of his discussion of the economic sector, the Premier stressed his Government’s commitment to laying the foundations for prosperity. He highlighted the fact that fighting poverty is a long-term endeavor that cannot be accomplished quickly. Further, he noted that the Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda aims to stabilize the macroeconomic environment, improve trade and investment climates, and improve productivity.

According to Prime Minister Abiy, Ethiopia’s GDP has doubled in the last five years from 84 billion to 164 billion USD despite global and local challenges. Its per capita income has also doubled from 882 USD to 1,549 USD in the same period. In the last fiscal year alone, agriculture, industry and service sectors registered 6.3 percent, 6.9 percent and 7.9 percent growth respectively.

The Prime Minister reported that more than 22 million hectares of land have been covered with crops this farming season, and more than 800 million quintals of produce are expected to be harvested. The Premier added that over 3 million hectares of land will be covered with irrigated wheat farming this year as part of efforts to increase productivity. There are currently rice fields in some parts of the country that are expected to yield more than 40 million quintals of rice. Highlighting the increase in agriculture productivity, he indicated the long journey that awaits us ahead. “We need to make sure that the inputs and technology the farmer needs are also produced in the country”, he added.

Moreover, to bring about national development, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of hard work, discipline, and cooperation. In this regard, Prime Minister Abiy guaranteed that shared development and prosperity are real possibilities. Speaking of the complex challenges that corruption poses, he stressed the need to take broader measures in this regard including through automation which has started to register positive gains.

With regard to the national security situation, the Premier noted that the Government has never been involved in initiating or planning any attacks against any group. Rather, the Government has continuously been thwarting attacks aimed at weakening the nation from any corner, he added. Similarly, mentioning the fact that media practice in Ethiopia is only at its infant stages, Prime Minister Abiy advised the public to take due care towards cultivating the positive aspect of the narrative. “People should be aware of what they consume for their own sake”, he warned. He also advised the nation that there should not be room for those who fan non-existent problems in the country.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Abiy cautioned the public not to squander the immense opportunity the National Dialogue provides the nation. He said, “The National Dialogue is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; let’s grab it”. As there is no substitute for living in peace, Prime Minister Abiy called up Ethiopians to “give peace a chance”. He appealed on all stakeholders to support the National Dialogue Commission in its endeavours to bring lasting peace, national consensus and reconciliation to Ethiopia.

Regarding regional matters, the Prime Minister said Ethiopia’s foreign policy gives priority to neighbouring countries and the consolidation of their cooperation. Amidst the multitude of conspiracy theories and analyses following Ethiopia’s announcement of its quest for access to the sea, the Premier once again reaffirmed that Ethiopia has no intention of threatening the sovereignty of any nation. To secure access to the sea, Ethiopia prefers sustainable solutions through diplomatic engagement guided by international law, he noted.

Speaking of diplomatic matters, the Prime Minister pointed out that Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS should not be misconstrued as a move to sideline those countries not in the bloc. As the Premier pointed out, Ethiopia’s membership in BRICS serves the purposes of facilitating its active participation in South-South Cooperation and allowing the nation to benefit economically from such a framework in a variety of ways. As a major player in the South-South Cooperation framework, Ethiopia’s accession is beneficial to both BRICS and the country. Prime Minister Abiy further pledged that the country would cooperate with all countries around the world according to its foreign policy.

Ethiopia Participates in the First Saudi-Africa Summit

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed participated in the first Saudi-Africa Summit that took place in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 10 November 2023. The Prime Minister delivered a speech at the Summit focusing both on Ethio-Saudi and Saudi-African relations.

Prime Minister Abiy stated that Africa in general and Ethiopia in particular share long-standing, historical and people-to-people relations. He recalled the historical and spiritual ties rooted in a vibrant past in which Africa provided sanctuary and hospitality to followers of Prophet Mohammed. In particular, he stressed the fact that Ethiopia had welcomed and given refuge to the companions of the Prophet who had faced injustice and persecution.

Indicating the importance of the Summit, the Premier stated that the Summit is a unique moment in the history of Africa and Saudi relations, and provides an opportunity to reflect on the potential that exists between the two sides to further strengthen relations in all necessary fields for mutual benefit. He indicated that the historical ties between the two sides are deep, and inspire collective hope for a more enduring relationship. The Prime Minister also appreciated the support provided by the Saudi Fund and other financial institutions of the Kingdom for the economic and social development of Africa.

Prime Minister Abiy mentioned the fact that Africa is currently laying the foundation for continental integration as enshrined in its Agenda 2023 and making significant strides in its quest for economic sovereignty. On the other hand, he stated that there is synergy between Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Africa Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and close cooperation in investment, trade and mutual economic development is significant in this regard.

More specifically, the Premier expressed the synergy between Ethiopia’s agriculture policy, as one of the country’s development policy priority areas, and that of Saudi Arabia’s agricultural self-sufficiency aspiration. In this regard, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for strong cooperation, including allocation of further resources, capital and investment in pursuit of transforming the agricultural sector in Africa by encouraging Saudi enterprises to participate in investment and cooperate in agro-processing and agri-business programs which are mutually beneficial.

Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative has been mentioned by the Prime Minister as another area of common interest with the Kingdom. In this regard, the Prime Minister stated an alignment between Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative led by Saudi Arabia as further areas that need cooperation and collaboration. He further elaborated practical measures the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has taken over the past five years to materialize its Green Legacy Initiative in contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation. In this connection, he underscored the need to accelerate cooperation on green development by enhancing the synergy of green development initiatives between the two sides.

In conclusion of his speech, the Prime Minister reiterated the complementarity between Saudi Vision 2030, the African Union Agenda 2063 and the UN SDGs and the need for placing development finance as a central theme in Saudi-Africa cooperation to seize the opportunity presented in these visions for economic advancement to meet the aspirations of peoples of the two sides. He also stated that the two sides need to give primacy to the largest free trade area on the continent to expand trade and investment and explore new areas of cooperation to meet the strategic interests of Saudi Arabia and Africa.

On the other hand, Prime Minister held side-line discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed Bin Salman al Saud, Djiboutian President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, Somalian President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The discussions covered a range of bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia Agree to Diversify Bilateral Relations

Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed Ali, met with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman al Saud, on the sidelines of the Saudi-Africa Summit in Riyadh on 10 November 2023. During their meeting, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and regional issues of mutual interest.

Both sides have reached an understanding to establish a High-Level Joint Ministerial Committee aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries on mutual strategic interests, and for Saudi Arabia’s support for Ethiopia’s macro-economic reforms as well as debt restructuring, in addition to issues related to Ethiopian returnees.

On the other hand, alongside the Saudi-African Economic Conference that took place on 09 November 2023 in Riyadh, Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia agreed to cooperate in the petroleum and energy sectors. 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. The agreement would allow the two countries to cooperate in the fields of oil supply, energy technology transfer and energy investment.

The agreement reached between the two countries to work together in the petroleum and energy fields is a positive step towards fostering economic cooperation and sustainable development. Moreover, it highlights the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships in the energy sector, which can contribute to both nations’ economic growth and energy security.

As well, Ethiopia’s Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide, held discussions with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Mohammed Al Jadaan, alongside the Saudi-African Economic Conference. The two sides exchanged views on issues related to economic reform and development that the Government of Ethiopia is undertaking, and debt restructuring. The Saudi Arabian Finance Minister assured his Ethiopian counterpart of the strong support of the Saudi Government for the development activities taking place in Ethiopia.

Ethio-Kenya-Somalia Border triangle symbolizes good neighborliness

A good neighbourliness (Deris Wanag) program, a project funded by the UK Government and aimed at fostering resilience and mitigating instability along the Ethio-Kenya-Somalia borderland communities, launched on 09 November 2023, in Jijiga, Ethiopia. This launch follows launch in Mandera last May where senior Ethiopian government officials attended. In attendance were representatives of the British Government, Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Peace, the Somali Regional Government as well as the Deputy Presidents of Jubaland and Galmudug and Mandera County officials.

This 2nd launch of the Deris Wanag (Good Neighborliness) project and the first in Ethiopia are aimed at bolstering resilience against violent extremism in the Ethiopia-Kenya-Somalia borderland regions. The UK Government and other partners have committed £10 million to the programme for the next three years. The programme will support effective policy and programming, strengthen formal and informal resilience-building mechanisms and address community needs to relieve the drivers of instability and violent extremism.

Deris Wanag which is a Somali saying meaning ‘Good neighborliness’ will focus on integrating national responses to insecurity, supporting conflict resolution structures, and aligning development and peace-building activity across the three countries.

During the launch, the Somali Regional President, Mustafe Omar, highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing the drivers of instability in the Horn of Africa, where many of the socioeconomic dynamics are shared across borders.

The program is symbol of good neighborliness and further strengthen UK’s strategic partnerships with the Horn countries, and build on the successes of previous activities in the region so as to ensure security, development, and peace-building efforts bring real benefit to communities in the borderland areas.