24.11.2023

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Confers with Lt. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan

Ethiopia Participates in G20 Compact with Africa Summit

President of Korea International Cooperation Agency Visits Ethiopia

President Sahle-Work Zewde Receives Chair of UN Peacebuilding Commission

Fostering Ethiopia’s Sports Diplomacy

Ethiopia Partakes in China Economic and Social Forum 2023

News in Brief

Africa and the African Union

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, arrived in Oyala, Equatorial Guinea, on Thursday (November 23), to participate in the Consultative Summit of the AU Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Tuesday (November 21) in Berlin, held discussions with Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, on ways to integrate the peace and development nexus as an expanded pathway for a shared future of prosperity within the G20 Compact with Africa framework.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Monday (November 20), at the invitation of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, attended the fourth G20 Compact with Africa Investment Summit to discuss the deepening and expansion of the Compact with Africa to more African partner countries.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Monday (November 20), congratulated President-elect Joseph N. Boakai for his victory in Liberia’s presidential run-off elections. The chairperson hailed the statesmanship of outgoing President George Weah, for gracefully accepting the outcome of the elections. He also commended the National Elections Commission and all stakeholders for the successful conduct of peaceful and credible elections. He further reaffirmed the determination of the AU to continue supporting the Republic of Liberia, in collaboration with regional bodies and international partners, to strengthen democratic stability and unity in the country.

The Director of AU Conflict Management, Sarjoh Bah, held discussions with the US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Mike Hammer, on Thursday (November 23). The two sides exchanged views on the conflict in the Sudan, as well as the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement for northern Ethiopia and other topics of mutual interest and concern in the region.

Ethiopia

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on Wednesday (November 22), held a bilateral discussion with Cuba’s Vice President, Salvador Valdés Mesa, who paid a working visit to Ethiopia. Both sides explored ways to enhance cooperation in the medical, tourism, education, and sugar industries.

Prime Minister Abiy participated in the extraordinary BRICS summit on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict held via videoconference on Tuesday (November 21). The summit issued a joint resolution on the situation in the Middle East and in Gaza. The leaders declared commitment to peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue and support for peaceful settlement of crises. They called for an immediate, long-term humanitarian truce leading to the cessation of hostilities in the region. They also demanded an independent and transparent investigation into war crimes in Gaza in accordance with international standards. They further urged those with influence over parties to the Middle East conflict to use their influence to avoid further escalation.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the Compact with Africa (CwA) Summit in Berlin on Monday (November 20). Launched under the German G20 Presidency in 2017, the G20 CwA has become a platform for dialogue and cooperation between reform-oriented African countries, G20 partners and beyond. (See Article)

Prime Minister Abiy met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin on Monday (November 20) on the sidelines of the Compact with Africa Summit. The Prime Minister said the strengthened relations and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries continue to be anchored in trust and mutual interests for sustained development.

Prime Minister Abiy held a constructive bilateral meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Sunday (November 19) to further strengthen the political and economic ties between the two countries. The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in clean energy, FDI, fertilizer production, and regional security issues. Prime Minister Abiy said Ethiopia and Germany enjoy close cooperation on climate change, energy, education, regional peace and security.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia presented its first quarter performance report for the 2016 Ethiopian Fiscal Year to the House of People’s Representatives Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee on Wednesday (November 22). The State Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mesganu Arga and Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, and the Director Generals of the Ministry presented the report. Burundi’s ratification of the Cooperative Framework Agreement, Ethiopia’s invitation to membership in the BRICS, and the revamping of relations with the US and the EU following the signing of the Pretoria peace agreement were identified as remarkable achievements. The Chairman of the Standing Committee, Honorable Dr. Dima Negwo, appreciated the results achieved and stressed that, apart from repatriating citizens, attempts should be made to protect their legal status in host countries.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, welcomed the new Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UNECA, Claver Gatete at his office on Tuesday (November 21). During the meeting, Ambassador Mesganu pointed out that Ethiopia attaches great importance to what the ECA does and Ethiopia wants a solid presence of the ECA that befits its historical relations with the country and the continent. Gatete, on his part, said that the ECA is there for the socio-economic betterment of Africa and that it will work closely with Ethiopia and Africa. He also expressed his hope that the ECA and countries like Ethiopia would find a way to work with international financial institutions on debt reduction and financing for development, then scale up to the rest of Africa.

State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga held fruitful discussions with the Assistant Secretary General of the UN, Chandramouli Ramanathan, in his office on Thursday (November 23). Their discussion centered around the prestigious Africa Hall renovation project, an integral component of the UN’s Capital Investment Plan for the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Praising the UN’s astute initiative to invest in the preservation of the African Hall – the birthplace of the OAU, the State Minister assured his Government’s unwavering commitment to continue lending support to this noble endeavor. He also reiterated Ethiopia’s fervent dedication to continuing its collaboration and backing as the host country of the ECA. The Assistant Secretary General, on his part, commended the Government of Ethiopia for its unwavering support in fostering the activities of the UNECA as a host nation, including the project to modernize the iconic African Hall.

State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga met with a delegation from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), led by the Director, Dan Smith, at his office on Thursday (November 23). Ambassador Mesganu stressed the importance of forging solid relations with research institutes such as SIPRI that conduct studies on peace and security that would help the international community understand the context in which Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa region are. He also appreciated the initiative by SIPRI to collaborate with Ethiopia’s Institute for Foreign Affairs (IFA). The director also looks forward to working with the IFA.

The Director Generals of the Spokesperson Directorates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and China, on Tuesday (November 21), agreed to cooperate by exchanging expertise and experience. Members of the Spokesperson Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia are conducting an exchange of experiences in Beijing. The Ethiopian side also met with the Vice President of Beijing Foreign Studies College (BFSU), Sun Yunzhong, and discussed ways to strengthen people-to-people relations by opening Ethiopian language study departments.

The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, issued a statement on Wednesday (November 21) regarding the talks between the Government of Ethiopia and the Oromo Liberation Army. Having acknowledged the vital role of dialogue and negotiation in addressing grievances and resolving conflicts, the Executive Secretary commended both negotiating teams for engaging in a peaceful dialogue to resolve their differences. He also appealed to all involved parties to uphold their commitment to the peace process in the best interest of the people of Ethiopia. Having expressed his hope that the two sides would initiate a new round of talks to address and resolve the remaining issues, he reaffirmed IGAD’s readiness to provide unwavering support to both sides in their pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the situation.

Djibouti

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mahmoud Ali Youssef, met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, in Djibouti on Monday (November 20), on the sidelines of the fifth meeting of the Saudi-Djiboutian Joint Committee. Both officials discussed ways to develop ties in the fields of transportation and logistics.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chair of the IGAD Council, Mahmoud Ali Youssef, on Thursday (November 23), held discussions with the Executive Secretary of IGAD, Workneh Gebeyehu. The two sides engaged in a comprehensive discussion on the regional situation, including the next steps of the Sudan-Jeddah process. They also discussed planning for the upcoming IGAD Summit.

Djibouti, along with South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia and Comoros, referred the Situation in the State of Palestine to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (November 17) in accordance with their powers under the Rome Statute. In a statement issued by ICC following the referral, the Court confirmed that an investigation was ongoing with a dedicated team.

Somalia

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Arusha, Tanzania, on Thursday (November 23) to participate in the 23rd East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit. He is also expected to bolster Somalia’s bid for membership in the EAC.

President Mohamud discussed Somalia’s fight against terrorism with UK policymakers and security sector experts at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies on Wednesday (November 22). He reiterated his government’s determination to deliver peace and security, strengthen inclusive governance, service delivery and grow the economy.

President Mohamud co-hosted the Global Food Security Summit with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London on Monday (November 20). The summit addressed the issue of global food insecurity, focusing on innovation and climate resilience. The President stressed that the UK’s commitment of £100M in aid is a commendable step towards global collaboration. He also highlighted how Somalia prioritizes emergency aid projects to be diverted towards development so that the Somali people can get lasting benefits.

President Mohamud, on Saturday (November 18), chaired a National Security Committee meeting focused on accelerating efforts to eradicate terrorist groups. The meeting also highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration among government security branches and preparing for the New York security conference on Somalia.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, on Tuesday (November 21), called on aid agencies and the Somali public at large to actively participate in the ongoing relief efforts in response to the Gedo region flood emergency amid an imminent humanitarian catastrophe. Speaking in the wake of his assessment visit to Dolow District, the Prime Minister appealed to national and international relief organizations to expedite their concerted efforts towards mitigating the overwhelming flood emergency.

Somalia and the UK signed a cooperation agreement in London on Tuesday, (November 21). The communiqué they issued following the signing of a strategic partnership highlighted their longstanding and strategic partnership, which focuses on shared priorities of state-building, security, counter-terrorism, economic development, human development and tackling climate change. It also underlined Somali-led efforts to strengthen Somalia’s federal system, help reduce conflict and instability, support economic and social development, and champion Somalia in international forums. The two sides agreed that state building and good governance are key to ensuring progress more broadly across security, counter-terrorism, economic growth, human development, and responding to climate change.

South Sudan

President Salva Kiir Mayardit arrived in Arusha, Tanzania, on Thursday (November 23) to participate in the 23rd East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit. He is expected to assume the chairmanship of the EAC from Burundi’s President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, whose tenure has come to an end.

President Kiir met with a Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) delegation led by Omer Al-Digair in Juba on Wednesday (November 22) to discuss the Sudan crisis and possible solutions to resolve the conflict. The FFC urged President Kiir to step up efforts to end the Sudan conflict. Both sides agreed to establish a joint committee to facilitate communication, follow-up, and coordination in their efforts to end the war in Sudan.

During his meeting with the US ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler, on Saturday (November 18), the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, James Pitia Morgan, called on the International Community to support South Sudan’s transition to a democratic republic.

Kenya

President William Ruto addressed the European Union Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Tuesday (November 21). He called on the world to take bold and strategic action to tackle the climate crisis. He pointed out that the international community should act decisively to implement the structural shifts required to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is the time for Africa, Europe, and all regions of the world to work together to drive sharp cuts in greenhouse gas emissions for our combined survival, he added.

President Ruto held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin on Tuesday (November 21). President Ruto said Kenya-France relations have grown steadily over the years, resulting in increased trade. In the shared spirit of friendship between the nations, the two countries are enhancing their cooperation in other areas such as infrastructure, climate change, and regional peace efforts, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, he added.

President Ruto met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the G20 Compact with Africa Investment Summit in Berlin on Monday (November 20). President Ruto said Kenya is keen on fast-tracking labour agreements between the two countries to enhance labour mobility. The two leaders agreed on the significance of directing investments toward Africa, appreciating its competitiveness. Chancellor Scholz pledged to support Kenya’s mission to Haiti and peace in the Horn of Africa. President Ruto asked for Chancellor Scholz’s support for Germany in advocating for reforms in the International Financial Architecture to address the debt crisis affecting nations in the Global South.

The World Bank announced on Monday (November 20) that it foresees USD 12 billion in support for Kenya over the next three years. The bank said in a statement that it is fully committed to supporting Kenya in its journey to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030. During his meeting with World Bank President Ajay Banga on the sidelines of the G20 Compact with Africa Conference in Berlin, President Ruto said Kenya is indebted to the financial and technical support that the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund continue to extend. He expressed his appreciation to the institutions for their latest assistance, which will rebuild our buffers and tame inflation and debt vulnerabilities.

Sudan

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan conversed on the telephone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday (November 18). The leaders discussed the latest situation in Gaza and the efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. President Erdogan said there should be unity on all issues concerning the Islamic world, and it is important to implement the decisions taken at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s recent summit in Riyadh.

Sudan formally informed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday (November 22) of its request to promptly terminate the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), citing a lack of progress and a need for a new form of cooperation with the international body. The Sudanese Ambassador to the UN, Al-Harith Idriss, informed the UNSC that the UNITAMS mission is not performing up to expectations, despite the government’s repeated calls for a review of its mandate and future tasks. In his statement, Idriss further pointed out that the current conditions in Sudan have fundamentally changed the circumstances that led to the request to establish the mission.

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, on Wednesday (November 22), called on the parties to the conflict in the Sudan to respect their commitments made during the Jeddah talks. Mentioning that the toll on civilians in Darfur is distressing and that Khartoum remains without humanitarian access, he stated that the fighting must end.

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Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Confers with Lt. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan

The Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Sudan, Lt. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, paid a visit to Ethiopia on November 15, 2023. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed discussed with Lt. General Abdel Fatah Al Burhan the current situation in the Sudan and ways of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Lt. General Abdel Fatah Al Burhan and his delegation briefed the Prime Minister about the situation in the country.

Prime Minister Abiy affirmed Ethiopia’s solidarity with the Sudanese people in these trying times. The Prime Minister underlined that Ethiopia is concerned about the current situation in the country and the indiscriminate destruction of basic infrastructure in the country. He reiterated that Ethiopia supports peaceful resolutions to address the fundamental causes of the conflict in the Sudan. The Prime Minister also underscored that the territorial integrity and political independence of the Sudan should be preserved.

Ethiopia and Sudan share a long-lasting and historical relationship bonded by people, blood, geography and culture. The people-to-people relationship between the two countries is deep-rooted. Ethiopia has stood with the people of the Sudan since the outbreak of the war in April 2023. It has opened its borders to those who flee their homes. Ethiopia is deeply concerned about the expansion of the war and its consequences in terms of humanitarian crises and the indiscriminate destruction of infrastructure and institutions.

Ethiopia has made its principled position clear from the beginning: there is no military solution to the crisis. A peaceful resolution of the conflict would have saved lives and avoided the destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of millions. As the war is costing the Sudan dearly, its immediate end must be the priority of all Sudanese actors and partners. Securing a long-term ceasefire would pave the way for an all-inclusive political dialogue to achieve sustainable peace in the country. Therefore, it is high time to coordinate the various peace initiatives to help our Sudanese brothers and sisters achieve peace and stability. Ethiopia believes that only a peace process that is owned by all Sudanese parties will yield positive results.

All actors in the Sudan, armed or civilian, should, therefore, assist efforts towards peace and save the Sudan from further destruction and mayhem. Coordinating efforts in accordance with the principle of African solutions to African problems through IGAD and the African Union, in partnership with partners who are keen on Sudan’s peace, is necessary before things get worse. Recent efforts to bring various civic groups and political parties together to end the war are a step in the right direction. Parallel to seeking a long-term ceasefire and a political and civilian dialogue, the delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected should be a priority. The support of partners in this regard is indispensable, and efforts should be doubled considering the magnitude of the problem.

Ethiopia Participates in G20 Compact with Africa Summit

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed participated in the fifth summit on the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA), which German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz hosted in Berlin, Germany, on Monday (November 20). The summit aimed at both complementing and reinforcing the ongoing work within the CwA framework. Heads of State or Government of CwA member countries and those interested in joining the CwA, African G20 partner countries under the Indian G20 Presidency 2023, as well as key partners, including the Heads of the African Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank Group, were invited. The summit serves as a forum to promote political dialogue, foster economic collaboration, and advance concrete measures to boost private investment.

The Summit allowed Ethiopia to articulate the Homegrown Economic Reform (HGER) and existing incentives for private sector investment, which aim at realizing rapid economic transformation in the country through targeted reforms and restructurings of various economic sectors. Ethiopia’s remarkable economic growth over the last two decades, with real GDP growth averaging over 9 percent a year, compared to a regional average of less than 4 percent, provides an excellent testament to the importance of targeted economic reforms that this summit attempts to project.

To help sustain the growth momentum in the face of emerging challenges associated with a public-investment-led growth model, Ethiopia launched an HGER agenda in 2019. The primary objective of the reform is to advance private investment and structural transformation. The Government is now embarking on HGER 2.0, which aims to address remaining challenges to make Ethiopia an ‘African Beacon of Prosperity’ by 2030. Key pillars of the strategy are establishing macroeconomic stability, creating a conducive environment for trade and investment, and improving productivity in key sectors, all of which are congruent with the CwA initiative.

Attending the summit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed joined a session that focused on economic cooperation and enhancing private sector engagement, demonstrating the value Ethiopia attaches to private sector investment to ensure sustainable economic development.

Leaders of the CwA, including the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, were among those who participated at the summit, representing Africa along with Prime Minister Abiy. African leaders used the summit to call on Europe to heed Africa’s massive need for more investment and to urge positive competition between Europe and China. The African Union Chairperson Azali Assoumani described the need for internal investment in Africa as colossal, while the Commission’s Chairperson Moussa Faki presented Africa as an open continent to other partnerships, including with China.

The summit also allowed participating countries to speak about unfair credit interest rates in Africa and the need to restructure debts to give countries financial relief to grow their economies. The German Chancellor’s pledge to invest €4 billion in green energy projects in Africa by 2030 was an important outcome of the summit. The Chancellor also pledged to import “a large proportion” of his country’s green hydrogen needs from the continent.

The G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) was launched under the German G20 Presidency in 2017 as the key format for dialogue and cooperation between reform-oriented African countries, G20 partners, and beyond. Since its launch, thirteen African countries have so far joined the initiative: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo, and Tunisia. The CwA initiative is demand-driven and open to all African countries. Congruent with the objective of the CwA initiative and building on the 2018 Dakar workshop, Ethiopia and the IMF co-organized the G20 Compact with Africa Peer-Learning Workshop on Private Sector-Led Diversification and Growth in 2019. The workshop tried to foster public-private sector dialogue by inviting international investors interested in investing in Africa to share their perspectives. The forum discussed guiding principles and comprehensive strategies for sustained growth and diversification.

While in Berlin, Prime Minister Abiy also held a constructive bilateral meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, aimed at further strengthening the political and economic ties between Ethiopia and Germany. The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in clean energy, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), fertilizer production, and regional peace and security. The Prime Minister pointed out that Ethiopia and Germany enjoy an excellent partnership on matters of climate change, energy, education, and regional peace and security.

Moreover, the Prime Minister met with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the summit. Both leaders pledged to strengthen multifaceted cooperation between Ethiopia and France. They committed that the countries’ partnership would continue to be anchored on trust and mutual interests for sustained development.

President of Korea International Cooperation Agency Visits Ethiopia

The President of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Chang Won Sam, paid a working visit to Ethiopia and held discussions with high government officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, received and conferred with the President in his office on Friday (November 17). During their discussion, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that Ethiopia and Korea have long-standing historical relations and that their relations should continue to be strengthened in various fields. He noted that it is high time to commit to building a strong and comprehensive partnership worthy of the long, blood-bound history of the two nations.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the development assistance from the Republic of Korea while also stating that the assistance should be strengthened. A relentless effort will be made to elevate the existing friendly relations between the two countries, he added. Having noted that KOICA is carrying out fruitful activities, he encouraged KOICA to keep linking its assistance with Ethiopia’s 10-Year Development Plan so that it brings meaningful and effective sustainable development and prosperity and helps the country achieve its development goals.

Demeke also highlighted the many lessons Ethiopia can learn from the Korean economic development model for ensuring sustainable development. In particular, he mentioned Korea’s model of infrastructure development, green energy, and digital innovation, from which Ethiopia can learn a lot. In this regard, he stressed the necessity of replicating Korea’s extensive experience in the field of education, human resources, and capacity-building programs in Ethiopia.

Moreover, he underlined the critical importance of Korea’s assistance to issues that Ethiopia currently gives priority to – the Resilient Recovery and Rehabilitation Framework, which was agreed upon by the two parties.

Apart from Official Development Assistance (ODA), the Deputy Prime Minister indicated there is vast scope for collaboration between Ethiopia and Korea across a spectrum of sectors. He reflected on Ethiopia’s Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda, which aims at unlocking the country’s development potential with initiatives centered on creating ease of doing business to attract more foreign direct investment into the five key pillars of agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, mining, and tourism. In this regard, he stated that Ethiopia and Korea should enhance their collaboration in a more highly productive and beneficial partnership, particularly in trade and investment. Ethiopia welcomes Korean business people and companies to explore the promising and abundant untapped opportunities and partake in the country’s journey towards economic advancement and development, Demeke stressed. Such economic engagements can contribute to the strengthening and broadening of the already existing cooperation and partnership that exists between the two nations.

Having mentioned the momentous occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Korea, President Chang Won Sam pointed out that the main purposes of his visit to Ethiopia were to express KOICA’s commitment to extend its unwavering support to Ethiopia’s development efforts, discuss ways in which KOICA can contribute to the country’s socio-economic progress, provide an update on the progress of ongoing development projects supported by KOICA in Ethiopia, and seek Ethiopia’s support for Korea’s efforts in multilateral forums.

He noted that Korea’s development support for Ethiopia is progressing well, adding with firm conviction that Africa will be the primary beneficiary of Korea’s development assistance. He also announced that the Government of Korea, through KOICA, has provided USD 294 million in development support to Ethiopia alone until 2023 and has allocated a development finance budget of USD 30 million for 2023. He also pledged to increase support by 40% compared to previous periods, and efforts will be exerted to charter official development assistance in line with Ethiopia’s 10-Year Development Plan to match the development needs and goals of the country. He further indicated that his government attaches great importance to Ethiopia and will also continue to strengthen the blood-bonded friendship between the two countries.

KOICA is currently implementing 18 (13 bilateral, one multilateral cooperation, four public-private partnership) projects and three training programs. It also has a plan to continue contributing to Ethiopia’s sustainable development through integrated, mid- to long-term, results-oriented support for education, vocational training, ICT-based employment and entrepreneurship, health and sanitation, e-government, and agricultural and rural development. KOICA has been a significant long-term development partner for Ethiopia since 1991. In particular, the cooperation accelerated following the establishment of its Ethiopian representative office in 1995.

President Sahle-Work Zewde Receives Chair of UN Peacebuilding Commission

President Sahle-Work Zewde received and held discussions with the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (UN PBC) delegation led by Chair of the Commission, Ivan Šimonović, on November 13, 2023. The delegation was in Ethiopia to hold the 6th informal consultative meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and the UNPBC, which was held on November 13, 2013.

The meeting with President Sahle-Work Zewde focused on peacebuilding, peacekeeping and the state of peace and security on the African continent, specifically in the Horn of Africa. Accordingly, while appreciating the achievements of the PBC in peacebuilding over the past decades, the President stressed the primacy of preventing conflict in the first place. The President particularly emphasized the critical need to manage diversity and hold elections in a peaceful manner, the absence of which has led to devastating conflict in many African countries. The President above all stated that for peace to be sustainable, it should be nationally owned.

In explaining Ethiopia’s contribution to peacekeeping operations, the President detailed Ethiopia’s historical involvement in peacekeeping efforts, starting with the peacekeeping mission to Korea in the 1950s. As a long-time advocate of collective security, Ethiopia has been one of the top troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions. The President reaffirmed that Ethiopia’s contribution to peace and security, be it in peacekeeping or otherwise, will be further enhanced. Furthermore, Ethiopia is leveraging all it can to make peace at home, particularly with the signing of the Pretoria peace agreement. Moving forward, Ethiopia will focus on national dialogue and transitional justice, which, according to the president, are critical to peacebuilding.

The Chair of the PBC, Ivan Šimonović, on his part, appreciated Ethiopia’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping operations. He noted that, as a result of its substantial troop contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, Ethiopia could be able to be a member of the PBC for six consecutive terms. Ethiopia’s term at the PBC ends in 2024. Like the President, the Chair also emphasized the importance of conflict prevention and the need for countries to have national strategies towards that end. In case prevention fails, peaceful resolution and peacebuilding, a sector in which the PBC has been contributing a lot, has to be seen as the best alternative, according to the Chair. He further noted that the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, a lack of democracy, and good governance, have to be dealt with to have sustainable peace.

Both the President and PBC Chair agreed on the importance of continued partnership between the UN and AU to realize a peaceful and prosperous Africa. In addition, while noting the shortage of resources available for peacekeeping and peacebuilding, they both called for an enhanced financial contribution to peace efforts across Africa and beyond.

On the other hand, the AUPSC and the UNPBC held their sixth informal consultative meeting on November 13, 2013. The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Abdi Mahamoud Eybe, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Djibouti and Chairperson of the AU PSC for November 2023, and Ivan Šimonović, Chair of the PBC. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security; Mr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the AU and Head of the UN Office to the AU; and Elizabeth Spehar, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, all delivered remarks at the joint meeting.

In their joint statement after their meeting, they called for national ownership of peace efforts and adequate, predictable, and sustained financing for peacebuilding. The two bodies also agreed to institutionalize the holding of the Annual Joint Consultative Meeting between the AUPSC and UNPBC, rotating between Addis Ababa and New York. They accordingly agreed to convene their Inaugural Annual Consultative Meeting in New York in 2024.

Fostering Ethiopia’s Sports Diplomacy

There were two significant undertakings this week that have enormous implications for Ethiopia’s sport diplomacy. The 47th Annual General Assembly of the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) that Ethiopia hosted came up with good news for Ethiopians. It unanimously elected Berhanu Eyassu Wossen as the new AFBC President by acclamation on Saturday, November 18, beating the Cameroonian candidate Bertrand Menduga and the Moroccan Mohammed Bodir. Berhanu, who currently holds the position of president of the Ethiopian Boxing Federation (EBF), emerged as the Ethiopian candidate and garnered the support of the voting delegates. The newly elected AFBC President, Berhanu, a prominent figure in Ethiopian sports, pledged greater support for Africa in finding financial assistance for the continent.

After Yidenkachew Tesema, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and Dagmawit Girmay, president of the African Badminton Confederation, Berhanu is the third Ethiopian sports personality to hold a significant position within the continental sports federation. Berhanu’s election to the African Boxing Confederation presidency further cements Ethiopia’s growing influence on African sports governance.

The Great Ethiopian Run 2023, which was held last Sunday (November 19), was another sports event that continued to help build Ethiopia’s diplomacy. The event, drawing over 45,000 participants, was a beacon of athletic excellence, economic empowerment, and international camaraderie. Elite athletes, recreational runners and walkers make up part of the event.

This year’s race is particularly significant, as it marks the 23rd anniversary of the Great Ethiopian Run. The event was founded in 2001 by renowned world-class Ethiopian athlete Haile Gebreselassie to promote running as a healthy and accessible activity for all Ethiopians. The Great Ethiopian Run has since grown to become a global phenomenon, attracting participants from many countries.

The Great Ethiopian Run is a world-class annual event. It is the largest road race in Africa. Tens of thousands of Ethiopians from every race, age, and walk of life take part in the Great Ethiopian Run. It has become a lifeline for athletics, tourism, investment, and the economy in Ethiopia. It helps to develop the country’s athletics, as many young athletes can get the opportunity to excel. Of course, there are new names participating in and winning the race. It attracts people from all walks of life as a crucial catalyst for the growth and development of athletics and the economy in Ethiopia. Ethiopians, representatives of various embassies, NGOs, and people from different international institutions participate in the race.

The Great Ethiopian Run is not just a running event but has served as a tourist attraction to the country and a tool to advance foreign policy goals. The event creates unique local experiences for foreign guests by adding their own local tastes to them. The event provides a platform for travelers to learn more about Ethiopian people, cultures, and lifestyles in general. The event, as a soft power, is becoming a crucial weapon for advancing foreign policy goals and providing opportunities for strangers to get closer.

It helps build the country’s image and promotes public diplomacy. It demonstrates the peaceful mood of the inhabitants, the jubilant tourists who took part in it, and, above all, the vibrant and peaceful atmosphere in the city. The race, which attracted participants from several countries and international institutions, garnered praise from prominent figures in the world of sports and diplomacy, highlighting its multifaceted impact on Ethiopia and beyond.

It is imperative that Ethiopia exploits its potential in sports activities and actively engages in sports institutions, as it does in various multilateral institutions. The country also needs to diversify its involvement in new areas of sport activities with concomitant investment in infrastructure to develop its potential and enhance its convening power by hosting big international sporting events. It will ultimately enhance its diplomatic stature and leverage.

Ethiopia Partakes in China Economic and Social Forum 2023

The Ethiopian delegation led by State Minister for Culture and Sports, Worknesh Biru, took part in the 2023 China Economic and Social Forum in Beijing from November 15-16, 2023. Over 110 Chinese and foreign participants held in-depth exchanges focusing on the theme of “Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind Featuring Openness, Development, and Civilization.”

In his address to the Forum, Vice-Chairman and Secretary-General of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Wang Dongfeng, said China’s proposal of building a community with a shared future for mankind has been well received and extensively supported by the international community and has made significant contributions to building a peaceful, safe, prosperous, open, inclusive, and clean world. He indicated that China is ready to work with the international community to build an open world economy, encourage cultural exchanges, support modernization, and promote the development and progress of human civilization.

While addressing the session on “Deepening Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations,” State Minister Worknesh Biru stated that Africa and China are endowed with rich cultural heritages that serve as an interconnecting bridge to learn more from each other and share common aspirations. The shared past experiences of civilizations and common goals have not only brought Africa and China closer but also contributed to enhancing solidarity and cooperation between the two sides, she added. Indicating the importance of the Forum, Worknesh said it is a unique moment in the history of Africa and China’s relations, providing an opportunity to reflect on the potential to further strengthen relations in the cultural and civilization spheres. In this regard, she stressed the need for strong cooperation, including the allocation of resources and investment, in pursuit of strengthening cultural cooperation between China and Africa.

Moreover, State Minister Worknesh praised China’s efforts in establishing an Institute of African Studies to enhance exchanges with Africa on civilization. The Global Civilizations Initiative (GCI), launched by the Chinese Government with the common goal of advocating respect for the diversity of civilizations and the common values of humanity, could contribute to strengthening people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between the two sides, she added.

At another session organized under the theme of “Accelerating Green and Low Carbon Transition,” Deputy Director General for Middle Eastern, Asian, and Pacific Countries at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Negus Kebede, reflected on the inspiring success story of Ethiopia’s experience in green and low carbon transition. He said that Ethiopia has made impressive progress to producing green energy for its own growth and that of its neighbors, diversified and expanded its energy sources, made significant efforts in greening the transport sector and industrialization, and achieved an encouraging result in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

In this connection, the Deputy Director General stated that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, which is now the most extensive afforestation and reforestation program in the world, would undoubtedly help to remove hundreds of millions of tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere and reduce deforestation. He added that Ethiopia’s climate-conscious actions, green legacy, and green energy, hopefully, could inspire more nations on the continent and beyond to support global efforts for a green and low-carbon transition. He also underscored the need to accelerate cooperation on green development by enhancing the synergy of green development initiatives among partners.

Moreover, Negus indicated that Ethiopia’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative is a testament to its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in a globalized world. He added that Ethiopia commits to supporting a more enhanced green, low-carbon, and sustainable way of life and calls for increased cooperation in green infrastructure and green energy so as to bring about harmonious coexistence between man and nature and sustainable development in human society.

On the sidelines of the China Economic and Social Forum, the Ethiopian delegation led by State Minister Worknesh met with the Vice Chairman of the Economic and Social Council, Guo Jun, on November 15, 2023. The two sides exchanged views on how to further strengthen existing cultural cooperation in the areas of creative cultural industries, cultural exchanges, and sports.

Overall, Ethiopia’s active participation and contributions to the 2023 China Economic and Social Forum serve to reinforce the ever-growing relationship between Ethiopia and China, fitting the recently elevated relations to an All-Weather Partnership.