Reflecting on Ethiopia’s Multispectral Diplomatic Triumphs in 2016 EFY
Addis Ababa Hosts First African Cities Sustainability Forum
Key Outcomes of the Fourth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit
Bill Gates Visits Ethiopia to Strengthen Partnership
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Sahle-Work granted awards at the 12th round of Person of the Year on Sunday (September 8), emphasizing the importance of recognizing good deeds.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirmed that Ethiopia will never compromise on its independence and dignity. He made this statement during an event held to mark the Day of Sovereignty, celebrated on Sunday (September 8), under the theme: “National Harmony to Ensuring Sovereignty in All Spheres.”
As the 2016 Ethiopian Fiscal Year comes to a close, it is imperative to take stock of the major diplomatic achievements of Ethiopia at home, bilaterally, regionally and globally. (See Article)
Bill Gates visited Ethiopia, arriving in Addis Ababa on Sunday (September 1) to witness the nation’s progress in agriculture and public health firsthand. On Monday (September 2), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed Gates, the American business and tech tycoon, for talks in Addis Ababa. (See Article)
Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, received EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, in his office on Tuesday (September 10). The two discussed potential areas of cooperation between the European Union and stakeholders in ensuring sustainable peace and economic integration in the region.
The Fourth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit took place in Beijing from September 4-5, under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.” A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, participated in the summit. (See Article)
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, met with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mian Atif Sharif, on Tuesday (September 10). They exchanged views on strengthening existing bilateral relations through expanding trade and investment cooperation and deliberated on other issues of mutual concern.
On the same day, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, held a meeting with Algerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Selma Malika Haddadi.
Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide met with the newly appointed African Development Bank (AfDB) Country Manager for Ethiopia and Deputy Director General for East Africa, Leandre Bassole, on Wednesday (September 11), where they discussed issues of mutual importance.
On Wednesday (September 11), the Government of Canada confirmed a commitment of nearly 10.3 million USD to support the implementation of Ethiopia’s National Demobilization and Reintegration Program (NDRP).
Over the weekend on Saturday (September 7), Ethiopian Federal Police (EFP) Commissioner General Demelash GebreMichael was honored with Africa’s first Great Wall Commemorative Gold Medal. The Ministry of Public Security of China awarded this medal, marking the first of its kind in Africa, to Commissioner General Demelash.
Ethiopian Airlines announced on Wednesday (September 11) the launch of a daily flight service to Port Sudan, Sudan, commencing on October 1, 2024. This expansion strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to enhancing connectivity across Africa and beyond.
Ethiopia’s talented youth are participating in the 47th World Skills Competition, officially inaugurated on Tuesday (September 10) by French President Emmanuel Macron in Lyon.
Djibouti
The Chief Executive Officer of Ethio-Djibouti Railway Company, Takele Umma, held talks with Djibouti’s Trade and Natural Resources Minister, Yonis Ali Guedi, on Monday (September 9). The discussion focused on strengthening economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Djibouti.
Somalia
On Monday (September 9), President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received General Michael E. Langley, Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), in Mogadishu.
Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Fiqi, participated in the 162nd Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Arab League in Cairo on Tuesday (September 10).
South Sudan
The World Bank Group Executive Board of Directors approved an International Development Association (IDA) grant on Monday (September 9) to support South Sudan’s efforts to strengthen institutional and human resource capabilities in public service, improving the delivery of basic services to citizens.
Sudan
Sudanese Foreign Minister Hussein Awad met his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdel-Aty, in Cairo on Monday (September 9). They discussed issues of mutual importance during the 162nd Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Arab League.
Africa and the African Union
The African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), and embassies in Addis Ababa conveyed New Year wishes to the people of Ethiopia on Wednesday (September 11).
AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday (September 11) to review matters of mutual interest.
The first African Urban Forum was held at the Adwa Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa from September 4–6, under the theme “Sustainable Urbanization for Africa’s Transformation: Agenda 2063.” The forum’s objectives were to establish a multi-stakeholder platform that emphasizes the importance of urbanization in achieving sustainable and resilient development across Africa. (See Article)
African Union Day was celebrated on Monday (September 9), commemorating the 1999 Sirte Declaration, where Heads of State and Government of the OAU called for the establishment of the African Union.
The Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday (September 9) to collaborate on law enforcement and security. The signing took place during the first China-East Africa Ministerial Dialogue on Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation in Beijing.
Reflecting on Ethiopia’s Multispectral Diplomatic Triumphs In 2016 EFY
As the 2016 Ethiopian Fiscal Year comes to a close, it is imperative to take stock of the major diplomatic achievements of Ethiopia at home, bilaterally, regionally and globally.
In this regard, the most populous country in the Horn of Africa dubbed time and again “anchor of peace and stability” has recorded several gains in terms of entrenching the Pretoria Peace Agreement, enhancing bilateral ties, diversifying its partnerships in multilateral venues, diligently pursuing an active policy of expanding options to access the sea and many more. At all levels of engagement, the crux of the proactive diplomatic efforts were the national interests of the country.
In holistic terms, in 2016 EFY, Ethiopia has made significant progress in strengthening its diplomatic relations with its various partners. The Government of Ethiopia, in this case, has demonstrated a strong commitment to continue advancing the national interests of the country.
In terms of entrenching the Pretoria Peace Agreement, the Government has demonstrated repeatedly its continued commitment to its full implementation. Through the twin pillars, Transitional Justice Policy Options and the National Dialogue, the Federal Government has prodigiously been working to ensure reconciliation and accountability and an all-inclusive and participatory nationwide dialogue in the country.
The ongoing national reforms, including in governance and the justice system, have gained encouraging support from all our partners adding further impetus towards realising lasting peace and stability in the country, further widening the peace dividend.
Similarly, the Government has also taken concrete measures, including the reform of national mechanisms, to ensure accountability in the protection of human rights. Significant strides have been made in the implementation of the recommendations in the report of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) through the Inter-Ministerial Task Force. This necessitated ending the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) at the 54th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
In its bid to elevate bilateral ties and enhance its cooperation within international organisations, Ethiopia has also, during this period, signed several agreements in the political, economic, defense, security and cultural fields.
The signing and subsequent implementation of these agreements is expected to accelerate the Ten-Year Development Plan and the Second Home-Grown Economic Reform (HGER II). The decade-long ambitious plan coupled with HGER II are poised to ensure economic development in the country while also leveraging regional economic integration.
Simply put, one of the primary objectives of our diplomacy is the attainment of sustainable economic development. Ethiopia’s major diplomatic activities have thus been focused on the implementation of the 10-Year Development Plan (2021-2030). Significant progress has been made to this end.
The other milestone is Ethiopia’s membership to the BRICS bloc. The momentous decision by the BRICS family to admit Ethiopia as a full member was a historic accomplishment. Ethiopia’s engagement with existing and new BRICS members will be based on its long-standing principles of multilateral cooperation and the promotion of its strategic interests. Joining the BRICS serves as a testament to our established diplomatic tradition of diversifying and expanding partnerships, advancing economic development, and fostering regional integration.
2017 EFY also witnessed the heightening of the multifaceted diplomatic ties of Ethiopia with China, the United States, EU Member States, the UK and Canada, among others.
The signing of an All-Weather Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Ethiopia and China during Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to the country and meeting with Premiere Xi Jinping in October 2023, has been another major diplomatic milestone of the year.
A high-level delegation led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, also attended the opening ceremony of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation(FOCAC) themed “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” on 05 September 2024. China announced partnerships in ten areas of cooperation with Africa, including trade, industrial cooperation, health, agriculture, connectivity, green development, and security.
These initiatives will allow Ethiopia to benefit from this cooperation framework. Ethiopia and China continued to advance their cooperation under FOCAC’s Nine Programs in tandem with the All-Weather Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The inking of seventeen vital agreements with the United Arab Emirates during H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Addis Ababa also demonstrates the strong ties between the two countries in economic development, infrastructure, energy, investment, trade, and other key areas.
The historic visits of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as well as the visits of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, were also significant landmarks in our diplomacy. Additionally, the visits of the Foreign Ministers of South Africa, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Rwanda and Venezuela, along with officials of the European Union and the United Nations, were imperative in our diplomatic engagements.
The Structured Dialogue held on 07 December 2023 in Addis Ababa was a step in the right direction when it comes to improving and adding momentum to longstanding Ethiopia-EU relations. Ethiopia will continue to advance its robust diplomacy with existing and traditional partners with the spirit of consultation, mutual trust, and cooperation among equals.
Ethiopia has also been a key player in the promotion and defense of regional peace, economic integration and interdependence in our sub-region and in Africa. Ethiopia has tirelessly championed African positions to promote the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the Vision 2030.
As a matter of fact, Ethiopia has remained a voice of reason in an increasingly complex global environment. It has promoted balanced and principled positions in the UN and other multilateral organizations. Ethiopia continues to strengthen its cooperation with UN agencies. Over the past year, it has secured political, financial, and technical support that has contributed to national efforts to promote sustainable development, reduce poverty, and build institutions that respond to the demands of our people.
Regarding the arrangements of the new upcoming peacekeeping mission in Somalia, Ethiopia has closely been monitoring the situation as a contiguous neighbour, key troop contributing country and major stakeholder in the region’s security and stability. It is Ethiopia’s firm position that the countries that currently contribute troops to ATMIS are important stakeholders in the matter, their views and concerns should be considered to facilitate a smooth transition to any post-ATMIS mission.
Ethiopia strongly believes that concerned institutions, including the AU and the UN, will ensure the necessary consultation with all stakeholders, including the ATMIS Troop Contributing Countries (TCC), and careful deployment to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and unexpected regional tensions while taking into account relevant Security Council resolutions.
The trilateral negotiation on the guidelines and rules for the first filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) remained a priority during this period’s active diplomatic engagements. Ethiopia’s position on the GERD is based on the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization of the waters of the Nile. Ethiopia will continue to use the waters of the Nile to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Ethiopia also remains at the forefront of fighting global climate change. The Green Legacy Initiative is a primary demonstration of this commitment. Ethiopia’s participation at the COP-28 was a great success, amplifying the green development model of Ethiopia and promoting a common position with Africa and other developing countries.
Cognizant of the growing needs of its fast-growing population, Ethiopia has diligently been pressing the need to diversify options to port services and access to the sea, in general. Through peaceful means, as a landlocked and largely disadvantaged anchor state in the Horn, Ethiopia has continuously been engaging contiguous and littoral states to facilitate access to the sea. By doing so, Ethiopia both attempts to promote its geostrategic interests and shared peace, development and prosperity. Several engagements were made with our strategic neighbours to secure dependable and secure access to and from the sea.
In the coming year, Ethiopia is fully committed to further strengthening its cooperation with members of the international community. Its primary focus will be securing diplomatic and financial support that will contribute to our agenda of ensuring prosperity and progress. We will continue to engage with partners to advocate for common positions on mutually agreed-upon issues of cooperation, both in bilateral and multilateral frameworks. Accelerating the implementation of the 2030 sustainable development goals, fighting climate change, and addressing humanitarian needs by mobilizing sufficient and predictable financial resources will be another priority in Ethiopia’s diplomacy next year.
Ethiopia will continue to advocate for peace and stability, regional cooperation, and partnership. We can all prosper together by promoting trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people ties. As Ethiopia commences its responsibility as a member of the BRICS family, we will continue to advocate for peace, shared prosperity, and a reformed and inclusive multilateral system anchored on the UN Charter. Reforming the current multilateral architecture to make it fit for purpose will remain on the agenda of Ethiopian diplomacy and this will be done in close coordination with our African friends.
With Addis Ababa being the third global diplomatic hub, Ethiopia remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to host international and regional organizations. It will continue to ensure that all international staff feel safe and at home in the country. We are prepared to colorfully host the African Union Summit in February 2025.
Ethiopia believes that in today’s interdependent world, the surge for diplomacy is imperative to addressing common challenges and harnessing opportunities. We hope that 2024 will be a year where the international community continues to work together with a reinvigorated spirit of partnership and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Addis Ababa Hosts First African Cities Sustainability Forum
The first African Urban Forum was held at the Adwa Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa from September 4–6, under the theme “Sustainable Urbanization for Africa’s Transformation: Agenda 2063.” The forum’s objectives were to establish a multi-stakeholder platform that emphasizes the importance of urbanization in achieving sustainable and resilient development across Africa.
The forum also aimed to support inclusive human settlement development in line with Africa’s structural transformation and Agenda 2063. It sought to engage heads of state and governments in dialogues on sustainable urbanization, prioritize emerging issues, and facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches.
Additionally, the forum promoted collaboration among stakeholders to develop strategies that enhance project implementation, share resources, and build capacities.
The inaugural African Urban Forum was officially opened by Temesgen Tiruneh, Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in the presence of high-ranking Ethiopian officials from various ministries.
In his opening remarks, Temesgen Tiruneh emphasized the importance of African member states and other partners coming together to collaborate on addressing the challenges of urbanization. He underscored this by quoting an African proverb: “If the spider weaves together, it can trap the lion,” highlighting the power of unity and collective effort in overcoming the continent’s shared obstacles.
The theme underscored the critical importance of harnessing the potential of urbanization to drive inclusive, nature-protecting, climate-resilient development across the continent. At its core, the theme reflected a commitment to realizing the vision outlined in Agenda 2063, which envisions an Africa that is prosperous, integrated, and peaceful, with empowered citizens and strong institutions.
The First African Urban Forum (AUF) concluded with the establishment of the Addis Ababa Declaration, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s urban development agenda. The Declaration is expected to generate several key outcomes, including African Union declarations that will not only benefit the continent but also serve as Africa’s positions on sustainable urban development to be presented to the global community, including at the World Urban Forum.
Additionally, the Declaration aims to raise awareness of the urban agenda in Africa at the highest levels of government, ensuring that heads of state are engaged. It also outlines a roadmap for implementing the African Union’s declaration on sustainable, equitable, and inclusive urbanization.
Furthermore, the Addis Ababa Declaration secured commitments to support the implementation of the African Union’s urban development initiatives, including financing, capacity building, and project implementation programs across the continent.
Key Outcomes of the Fourth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit
The Fourth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit took place in Beijing from September 4-5, under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.” A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, participated in the Summit.
The 2024 Summit marked a key milestone with delegations from 53 African countries, along with representatives from the African Union and other regional and international organizations. The Summit concluded with the following key outcomes.
At the Summit, African and Chinese leaders reviewed progress since the Eighth FOCAC Ministerial Conference in 2021 and adopted the Beijing Declaration and Beijing Action Plan for 2025-2027, aimed at building an “all-weather China-Africa community” for the new era.
Both Africa and China reaffirmed the importance of accelerating regional integration and economic development through initiatives aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The Declaration and Action Plan emphasized China’s strong support for African Union membership in the G20 and praised its role in expanding BRICS to include more African countries. A key focus was also placed on infrastructure development and improving trade across Africa.
Leaders reiterated their commitment to aligning their efforts with the Belt and Road Initiative, creating synergy with development strategies such as Agenda 2063. Promoting investment, implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and expanding access for African products to the Chinese market were recognized as critical to accelerating economic growth.
Public health was a prominent discussion topic. The Summit emphasized the importance of enhancing the operational capacity of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the African Medicine Agency (AMA). Additionally, a joint effort by China, Africa (Ethiopia), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to establish a Demonstration Center of Excellence was announced, aiming to support the economic development of Global South countries.
Moreover, both sides agreed to defend the common interests of developing countries, advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world, promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and call for necessary reforms to the UN, including the UNSC, to correct historical injustices faced by Africa. They also urged reforms to the international financial system and called on developed countries to honor their Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments.
Peace and security in Africa remain central to China-Africa cooperation, with both sides expressing their willingness to jointly implement the Global Security Initiative. They reaffirmed their commitment to finding African solutions to African problems and jointly advancing the initiative of Silencing the Guns in Africa. Enhanced cooperation in peacekeeping, law enforcement, counterterrorism, organized crime, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and consular affairs was also emphasized.
China pledged continued support for AUDA-NEPAD’s continental infrastructure projects, crucial for regional connectivity. The emphasis was on implementing the three cooperation plans endorsed during the 2023 China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue: industrialization, agricultural modernization, and talent development, all vital for job creation and poverty reduction in Africa.
The development of the digital economy was identified as a strategic priority. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to deepening cooperation in this area to drive technological advancement and industrial transformation.
Furthermore, China is ready to help Africa build “green growth engines,” close the gap in energy accessibility, adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and push for a global transition to green and low-carbon development. China is committed to advancing the China-Africa Bamboo Center project in Addis Ababa to promote sustainable bamboo development.
During the opening session, President Xi Jinping announced that China’s ties with African countries had been upgraded to strategic relations, marking a new phase in the all-weather China-Africa community. In his keynote speech, President Xi highlighted the deep historical bonds between China and Africa and reiterated that Africa’s modernization is critical to global modernization. Over the next three years (2025-2027), China will work with Africa to implement 10 China-Africa Partnership Actions for Modernization, aimed at strengthening cooperation across various sectors.
To support these “Ten Partnership Actions,” China committed 360 billion yuan in financial support over the next three years, including 210 billion yuan in credit lines and 80 billion yuan in various types of assistance. Additionally, China will encourage its enterprises to invest no less than 70 billion yuan in Africa and support the issuance of “panda bonds” by African nations to promote practical cooperation.
Ethiopia remains a crucial partner in China’s development support to Africa, yielding significant progress in infrastructure, industrialization, and capacity building. Ethiopia has particularly benefited from FOCAC, with notable achievements such as the modern Standard Gauge Railway connecting to Djibouti, which has stimulated economic activity and strengthened regional integration. Through FOCAC, Ethiopia and China have successfully advanced multiple cooperation projects aligned with the Nine Programs from the Eighth Ministerial Conference.
It is also worth noting that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Chinese President Xi Jinping elevated their countries’ relations to an all-weather strategic partnership during the Prime Minister’s visit to China in October 2023, where he attended the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and held bilateral discussions with Chinese leaders.
Bill Gates Visits Ethiopia to Strengthen Partnership
Bill Gates visited Ethiopia, arriving in Addis Ababa on Sunday (September 1) to witness the nation’s progress in agriculture and public health firsthand. On Monday (September 2), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed Gates, the American business and tech tycoon, for talks in Addis Ababa.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy took to social media to express his gratitude, highlighting Gates’ second visit to Ethiopia since 2019, calling it a return to the “Land of Origins.”
Prime Minister Abiy extended his appreciation to Gates for the continued support through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has played a pivotal role in advancing Ethiopia’s efforts in agriculture, health, and financial inclusion.
On Monday morning, Gates joined Prime Minister Abiy for a journey to the Oromia region, where they visited a cluster of wheat farms. During the visit, they discussed a range of topics but spent the most time reflecting on Ethiopia’s agricultural success story.
One of Ethiopia’s proudest achievements is the country’s newfound self-sufficiency in wheat production. Ethiopia, once reliant on wheat imports, now has revolutionized its agricultural sector.
The wheat farm cluster Gates visited is a prime example of this transformation. Just three years ago, the fields were uncultivated, but today, nearly 2,400 farmers are working almost 100,000 acres of land, growing wheat using innovative methods. These farmers have adopted new wheat varieties that are resistant to diseases and resilient to extreme weather conditions. They’ve also implemented early warning systems to detect and control crop diseases before they spread. As a result, productivity has skyrocketed, with the average Ethiopian farmer now producing 70 percent more wheat per hectare than they did 15 years ago.
On the return trip to Addis Ababa, Gates and the Prime Minister stopped at a poultry farm. The farm, which houses 20,000 chickens, is part of an initiative designed to help young people enter the poultry industry. The program offers participants two to three years of training, during which they earn a salary and receive startup funds to launch their own agricultural businesses.
Later that day, Gates joined Prime Minister Abiy for lunch with three key government leaders: Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health; Shimelis Abdisa, President of the Oromia region; and Mengistu Bekele, head of the Oromia Health Bureau. Their discussion focused on the challenges Ethiopia has faced in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflicts. The government officials highlighted the evidence-based strategies they’ve implemented to tackle these challenges, making progress in critical areas such as polio eradication, nutrition, and immunization.
Additionally, on Tuesday (September 3), Bill Gates met with Mamo Mihretu, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, and the Executive Director of Ethiopia’s national ID program. They discussed ways to further strengthen their existing partnership, particularly in the expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has reiterated its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s government in expanding the use of DPI to foster financial inclusion and improve public services.
Gates’ visit to Ethiopia underscores the country’s impressive strides in both agriculture and health. With continued innovation and support from international partners, Ethiopia is on track to build on these successes and further improve its agricultural, public health, and technological sectors.
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