19.01.2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 116 Years of Advancing Ethiopia’s Foreign Relations

Annual Ambassadors’ Conference underway in Addis Ababa

Panel Discussions at the Diplomacy Week and Exhibition

“Dine for Ethiopia” Initiative as an Impetus for Ecotourism and Investment

News in Brief

Africa and the African Union

African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat on Monday (January 15) addressed the opening session of the 47^thOrdinary Session of Permanent Representatives’ Committee of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) opened at the AU Headquarters on Monday (January 15) in Addis Ababa in the presence of AUC Chairperson Mahamat and PRC Chairperson.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Wednesday (January 17) appointed a High-Level Panel on the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan that includes Chair of AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas (Chair), Former Ugandan Vice President Dr. Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe (Member) and Former Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission (SRCC) to Somalia and Head of AMISOM/ATMIS Ambassador Francisco Madeira (Member).

Ethiopia

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday (January 13) inaugurated the Wanchi-Dendi Eco Tourism Village in Oromia, the third and final component of the Dine for Ethiopia initiative in the presence of AUC Chairperson Mahamat, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu and members the diplomatic corps in Addis Ababa (See Article).

A high-level delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on Wednesday (January 17) took part in the 2024 edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF 2024) themed “Rebuilding Trust” in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. On the margins of the Forum, Demeke met with the Vice President of Tanzania and the Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization Philip Isdor Mpango, WEF President Børge Brende, Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kaka, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation founder and co-chairperson Bill Gates and, Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon, among others. Afterwards, on Thursday (January 18), he conferred with Dutch and Czech Republic foreign ministers on issues of mutual interest. 

On Thursday (January 18), DPM and FM Demeke participated in a panel discussion entitled “Middle Powers in a Multipolar World” and moderated by the World Economic Forum’s Center for Regions, Trade, and Geopolitics on the role of middle powers in the current multipolar world order.

A delegation led by State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, on Thursday and Friday (January 18 and 19) participated in a two-day 19^th Ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) themed “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Influence” in Kampala, Uganda.

Head of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Eshete Tilahun, on Wednesday (January 17) conferred with a French parliamentary delegation led by Chairman of the Committee on National Defence and the Armed Forces of the French National Assembly Thomas Gassilloud.

The annual ambassadors’ meeting is underway in Addis Ababa and is deliberating on various policy and strategy issues of contemporary importance to the country (See Article). 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia donated basic items and cash to dozens of vulnerable children in a ceremony held on Thursday (January 18) on the margins of the annual ambassadors’ meeting.

Djibouti

The Ethio-Djibouti Railway Board and Shareholders convened in Djibouti on Thursday (January 18) to deliberate on the comprehensive Six-year Report and approve the 2024 Budget Plan. Championing regional integration and bolstering bilateral engagements stand at the heart of the meeting’s agenda.

Kenya

On Monday (January 15), President Ruto presided over the inaugural cabinet meeting of the fiscal year 2024 at State House Nairobi.

South Sudan

President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday (January 18) took part in the high-levels meetings of the Non-Aligned Movement and G77+China in Uganda.

The President on Tuesday (January 16) conferred with the Head of UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom on the upcoming general elections in the Horn of African nation. He also met with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Dr. Annette Weber to discuss the matter.

President Kiir in his capacity as the Chairperson of the East African Community met with the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC) Peter Mathuki.

Sudan

Sudanese and Chadian foreign ministers held a meeting on Thursday (January 18) on the sidelines of the Summit of Non-Aligned Countries in Kampala to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Sudan.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 116 Years of Advancing Ethiopia’s Foreign Relations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia recently celebrated its 116^th anniversary as an institution. The Ministry was established by Emperor Menelik II’s proclamation in October 1907. At that time, various countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Russia, and some others, had already established their legations in Addis Ababa. What was new to Ethiopia at that time was that a bit later, after the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia strengthened its ties with the stated countries, opening its first ever legations abroad. Legations in London, Paris, and Rome and Consulate Offices in Brussels, Berlin, Cairo, Marseille, and Jerusalem were the first representations of Ethiopia that were based abroad. We now have 52 embassies and consulates around the world.

We have been through a range of political shifts since the first establishment of the Ministry as an institution, beginning with the de facto administration of Etege Taitu Bituel, the wife of Emperor Menelik; Lij Eyasu, the grandchild of Emperor Menelik; Empress Zewditu, the daughter of Emperor Menelik; Emperor Haile Selassie I, President Mengistu Hailemariam, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Despite the differences in the ideology and governing styles of the stated leaders, there are some recurring themes that are typical of Ethiopia’s foreign policy goals. Protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, adhering to the principles of neutrality and non-intervention, promoting the principle of collective security, ensuring Ethiopia’s rights to access to the sea, promoting the ideals of Pan-Africanism, ensuring equitable utilization of the Nile water resources, and more recently, ensuring the economic independence of the country have been the hallmarks of Ethiopian foreign policy goals.

Ethiopia’s experiences in defeating the Italian colonial army at Adwa and its struggles against the fascist Mussolini armies in the five years of colonial occupation inspired many African countries and black people in the world to stand up and fight for their freedom. Ethiopia is also grateful to all freedom-loving people, particularly Africans and African Americans, who vouched to fight for Ethiopia during the 1936 Mussolini aggression. Ethiopia did not forget to properly recognize the support it has garnered from all these people. As a token of gratitude and a deep commitment to collaboration, Ethiopia has supported African anti-colonial liberation movements aside from offering scholarships to students from various African countries since 1958. As a deserving recognition of Ethiopia’s role in Africa, Addis Ababa became the seat of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union). Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of Africa remains consistent, even under different administration.

One of the most important issues in our foreign relations was ensuring the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. To that end, we fought numerous Wars with many invaders, but our foreign policies were never characterized by inciting aggression against any country. In connection with that, ensuring the right to import and manufacture armaments to defend ourselves against any aggression, together with our commitment to collective security, have been the trademarks of Ethiopia’s foreign policy. That’s why we became one of the first African countries to join the League of Nations, although the organization failed to stand up for its commitments in defending its members from any aggression. The fall of the League of Nations was inevitable, and it was of the organization’s own making, but Ethiopia did not stop its commitment to the principles of collective security. It was this deep belief that led us to join the United Nations and work with the organization to protect the safety of its member states. As a testament to this commitment, we have contributed more than 100,000 soldiers and officers to various UN and AU peacekeeping missions around the world.

We have always been adamant about ensuring Ethiopia’s rights to access the sea. Aside from economic reasons, the majority of successive leaders of Ethiopia were preoccupied with the matter of ensuring freedom of navigation, combating cross-border illegal activities, including human and drug trafficking, and protecting the country from foreign aggression. Although Ethiopia became a landlocked country following the separation of Eritrea three decades ago, the current Ethiopian government believes that joining associations of littoral states around the Red Sea is crucial to working together with member states for the stated reasons. Following the secession of Eritrea from Ethiopia, successive governments in Ethiopia made expanding options to various ports a priority to ensure successive and uninterrupted economic growth in the country.

Ethiopia is building the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. But the country has to grapple with many challenges to ensure its right for an equitable utilization of Nile water resources. Successive governments in Ethiopia have tried their best to ensure this right is respected for more than a century. The establishment of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) was a milestone in our efforts to collaborate with all the riparian countries for the fair and equitable use of the resource. One of our efforts for collaboration over the Nile water resources bore fruit in 2015, when the leaders of Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan signed the Declaration of Principles (DoP) that laid the foundation for future negotiations regarding projects over the Nile Basin. Emphasizing the importance of cooperation on a much broader basis, the Nile Basin riparian countries are working on the signing and ratification of the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). We thank the countries that signed and ratified this agreement thus far further calling on others to follow suit, because we firmly believe that this framework agreement lays a legal foundation for cooperation over the utilization of water resources and the protection of the rights of all riparian countries.

The latest governments in Ethiopia, with a deep understanding of globalization and its implications, have shown deep commitments to economic growth as a sustainable means to advance foreign relations. This shift in our foreign policy has helped us prioritize peaceful cooperation and advance economic integration with our immediate neighbours. This commitment also entails working in close collaboration with the African Union to accelerate regional integration and stimulate economic growth through the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) and the overall objectives of the AU’s Agenda 2063. In line with our agenda for economic diplomacy, we have continued to forge strong relationships with countries around the world, along with various multilateral organizations.

We have adhered to the principles of neutrality and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states. Ethiopia participated in the Bandung Conference and later joined the movement of non-aligned countries adhering to these principles and because of its keen interest in advancing its foreign policy goals without compromising its independence in decision-making. Some elements of our commitment to these principles were manifested during the tripartite negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan over the filling and administration of the GERD. This also includes the peace process involving the Government of Ethiopia and the TPLF over the last few years. Our strong belief in the maxim “African Solutions to African Problems,” which paid us dividends, emanated from the country’s age-old beliefs in thwarting unwarranted attempts by external parties to meddle in the domestic affairs of the country. We have always been keen on making friends, and that will continue to be the motto of Ethiopia’s foreign relations.

Annual Ambassadors’ Conference underway in Addis Ababa

The annual gathering of Ethiopian heads of diplomatic and consular missions, director generals and heads of affiliated institutions opened on Saturday, 13 January 2024 at the Headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen said, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accomplished much in terms of further advancing the national interests of the country in the Fiscal Year 2023 in spite of the plethora of challenges Ethiopia faced internally as well as regional and global stages. Recalling the conflict in the Tigray region and the protracted negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), DPM and FM Demeke stated that Ethiopia has been subject enormous international pressure. The Ethio-Sudanese border issue was also another point of undue pressure, he added.

He told participants, the Government was able to successfully address of these manifold challenges. Through concerted efforts our country has been able to go above and beyond to register success stories over the year including joining BRICS, forging an all-weather strategic partnership with China, and normalizing and revitalizing relations with the European Union, among other things.

New geopolitical realities, as well as technological changes and the emergence of non-governmental international corporations, necessitate new thinking in advancing Ethiopian diplomacy, he said, adding that he expects the meeting to address such issues in depth.

On the first day of the conference, the director generals of various departments in the Ministry presented performance reports of the respective diplomatic and consular missions they coordinate.

The substantive deliberations of the meetings focused on flow of foreign direct investment (FDI), consular service delivery, the new industrial policy, the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and current progress, the modalities of overseas employment for Ethiopian nationals as well as the twin pillars of the peace consolidation process including the Transitional Justice Policy Options (TJPO) and the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) processes.

The Deputy Commissioner of Ethiopian Investment Commission Mr. Temesgen Tilahun and the legal advisor to the Commission Dr. Habtamu Simachew elaborated the significant legal and institutional reforms introduced under the Homegrown Economic Reform Policy. 

Director General of Ethiopian Investment Holdings Mr. Abdurahman Tahir has also expounded the practical works done to make the Holdings open to foreign investors.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia H.E Ambassador Mesganu Arga, who moderated the discussions expressed that the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda has ameliorated the investment climate and liberalized many economic areas to foreign Investors.

Ambassador Mesganu Arga also appreciated the success of ‘Invest Ethiopia-2023’ in attracting FDI and mentioned the necessity of making preparations in advance to organize a better event in 2024.

The Director General of Consular Affairs at the Ministry, Ambassador Siraj Reshid also made a presentation on consular service delivery. He, among others, highlighted the varieties and modalities of service delivery, the status of digitalization and the major strengths and weaknesses in service delivery. The participants reflected on practical challenges, lessons learned and way outs of consular services. State Minister for Resoures and Services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, moderated this session. She stressed the various tangible improvements registered in the delivery of services in this sector and the impetus for continued modernisation.

Industry Minister Melaku Alebel also made a detailed presentation on the major pillars, focus areas and key achievements of the Let Ethiopia Produce (“Ethiopia Tamrit”) national movement the new industrial policy. The Minister stated that ‘Let Ethiopia produce’ Multi sectoral movement has accelerated the development of the industrial sector, increased the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector, strengthened innovation and import substitution. Ethiopian diplomatic and consular missions overseas should scale up their efforts in soliciting technology transfers and capacity-building programs, promotion of Ethiopian products, searching for destination markets, and attracting FDI, Minister Melaku urged.

During a session moderated by the Chief of Staff of the Office of the DPM and FM, Ambassador Eshete Tilahun, a higher official at the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI), Tagesse Mulugeta tabled an article on AfCFTA and WTO for discussion. 

Another area the meeting deliberated on was the issue of overseas employment of Ethiopian nationals. The Minister of Labour and Skills, Muferihat Kamil, in her presentaiotn highlighted the profound reforms instituted in skills development, digitalisaiton of the labor market and the expansion of overseas employment opportunities for our citizens. The Minister further expressed that missions overseas should search for employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled labour, accelerate the completion of bilateral labour agreements and work for effective implementation of those previously signed. Muferihat also noted that soliciting technology transfers and capacity-building programs for the development of skills are also expected from missions.

Last but not least, Minister of Justice, Dr. Gedion Timothewos expounded the Transitional Justice process while National Security Advise of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Redwan Hussein briefed the participants on ongoing peace and security issues. The Commissioner of the National Rehabilitation Commission, Ambassador Teshome Toga, on the other hand, briefed the heads of diplomatic and consular missions on the DDR process. 

The conference is a two-week long annual retreat of Ethiopia’s heads of diplomatic and consular missions around the world to deliberate on current policy and strategy matters to effectively mainstream the foreign policy priorities of the citizenry both at home and abroad. 

Panel Discussions at the Diplomacy Week and Exhibition

On Friday, 12 January 2024, a series of panel discussions were conducted at the Science Museum as part of the ongoing Diplomacy Week and Exhibition that is themed “From an African Hub to the World.” 

In his inaugural address, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen underscored the need for further engagements in new diplomacy. He said, emerging alliances and geopolitical issues necessitate the concerted efforts of all stakeholders. Youth participation is instrumental in the conduct of contemporary diplomacy, Demeke added. Speaking of citizen diplomacy, the DPM and FM declared that statecraft is no longer the exclusive domain of diplomats rather the wider public constitutes each and every citizen. 

Afterwards, DPM and FM Demeke officially launched a book on the 116-year-old history of Ethiopia’s modern foreign relations and a diplomatic journal that chronicles the massive diplomatic engagements of the top leadership for the last three years (2021-2023.

The panel discussions brought together ministers, other high-ranking government officials, heads of diplomatic missions in Addis Ababa and members of the diplomatic and media corps, scholars as well as students. Several papers were presented by various scholars and seasoned diplomats of the nation on three major thematic areas:

1. The Fruits of Ethiopian Diplomacy and Current Challenges
2. Contemporary Ethiopian Diplomacy and Trends in Next Generation Foreign Relations and;
3. The Role of Ethiopian in Current and Future Diplomatic Engagements

Among the presenters of the first theme were, veteran historian Professor Bahru Zewde, seasoned ambassador Dina Mufti. The session was moderated by Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie. The second thematic deliberation was presided over by State Minister for Political and Economic Diplomacy Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga. The third plenary session was moderated by a diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zerubabel Getachew (PhD). 

“Dine for Ethiopia” Initiative as an Impetus for Ecotourism and Investment

Espoused by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the “Dine for Ethiopia” (Gebeta Lehager) initiative is flagship project geared towards scaling up and modernising Ethiopia’s tourism sector in key locations in Amhara (Gorgora), Oromia (Wenchi), and South West Ethiopia (Koysha) regional states. 

Gebeta Lehager by capitalising on the achievements of the “Dine for Sheger” (‘Gebeta Lesheger’) projects including Unity and Friendship Parks, Sheger Riverside Development and Entoto Park, aims to put together three world-class destinations for domestic and foreign tourists. By doing so, it will serve as an impetus for ecotourism and investment. In other words, this flagship project will gradually be a lynchpin for more investments in ecotourism, agro-processing apparel manufacturing and the food industry. The completion of these projects will create green local jobs especially for the youth, mobilise the hospitality industry, generate income from massive domestic and foreign tourists and consequently soar Ethiopia’s share in global tourism. By accelerating the growth of the twin tourism and hospitality sectors, Gebeta Lehager will also significantly contribute to realising the aspirations enshrined in the Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda. 

To this effect, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday, 13 January 2024, inaugurated the recently completed Wanchi – Dandi Eco-Tourism Village and Lodge. The community-centred ecotourism project is the third tourism destination developed through Gebeta Lehager. Globally recognised by the World Tourism Organisation in 2021 as Best Tourism Village as a testaemtn to its continued commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism practices and preservation of the cultural heritage of the locales, Wanchi Ecotourism Village is an epitome of eco-consciousness. The project emphasized environmentally friendly practices, ensuring that the development aligned with nature conservation efforts. Preservation of natural resources and the implementation of eco-friendly tourism practices have been paramount in maintaining the village’s idyllic scenery.

Previously, Premier Abiy inaugurated the Gorgora Park Project in March 2021 and the Chebera Elephant Paw Lodge in South West region in December 2023. According to the Office of the Prime Minister, through the facilitation of basic infrastructure, multidimensional investments centred on tourism, recreation and hospitality are expected to catalyse the local economies and create many job opportunities.