Ethiopia and Czech Republic Strengthen Bilateral Ties Through High-Level Visit
FM Gedion Receives UN Country Team, Advocates Enhancing Multisectoral Cooperation
70 Years of Ethiopia-Japan Partnership: A Celebration of Friendship and Cooperation
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske Selassie addressed the 21st International Anti-Corruption Day at the Adwa Victory Memorial on Wednesday (December 11). Speaking at the occasion, the President emphasized the need to fight corruption resolutely through institutional frameworks and highlighted its devastating impact on society.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Türkiye on Wednesday (December 11), to participate in Turkish-mediated negotiations between Ethiopia and Somalia. The talks culminated in the signing of the Ankara Declaration, marking a significant breakthrough in resolving misunderstandings between the two nations.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed congratulated President-Elect John Mahama of Ghana on Monday (December 9) following his recent election.
The Prime Minister, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh and other federal and regional officials, marked the 19th Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Day in Arbaminch on Sunday (December 8).
Aiming to enhance Ethiopia-Czech Republic relations, a high-level delegation led by Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Marian Jurečka, conducted a three-day working visit to Ethiopia from December 7-9. (See Article)
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, had an audience at the Ministry with the United Nations Country Team, comprised of the representatives of UN offices and specialized agencies based in Addis Ababa, headed by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ramiz Alakbarov, on Wednesday (December 4). (See Article)
A two-day international conference on Ethiopia’s draft Transitional Justice Laws convened in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (December 10). During the occasion, Minister of Justice Hana Arayaselassie emphasized the importance of expert insights in advancing the broader agenda of transitional justice and enriching legislation for Ethiopia’s transitional justice efforts.
Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime addressed the 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on Monday (December 9). He highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to collaborating with global stakeholders to ensure sustainable air transport. The event, organized in partnership with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA), was attended by aviation sector stakeholders in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia and Japan share a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared aspirations. This partnership, rooted in diplomacy, development, and cultural exchanges, continues to thrive, serving as a testament to the strength of collaboration between nations. (See Article)
A new peacebuilding project aimed at rebuilding trust and promoting dialogue in the Tigray, Amhara, and Benishangul Gumuz regions was launched by World Vision Ethiopia in partnership with the European Union in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (December 11).
Ethiopian Airlines Group welcomed its second Airbus A350-1000, registered as ET-BAX, on Wednesday (December 11), further expanding its aircraft fleet.
Kenya
A Kenyan military delegation led by Chief of the Kenya Defense Forces, General Charles Kahariri, held discussions with Ethiopia’s Chief of General Staff, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, in Addis Ababa on Monday (December 9). The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing military cooperation.
The delegation also visited Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Ambassador Zerihun Abebe provided a comprehensive briefing on the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. He underscored the significance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges and fostering development.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Türkiye on Wednesday (December 11) and was welcomed by his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The two leaders held discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and paving the way for the third round of talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, mediated by Türkiye.
Africa and the African Union
Candidates for the African Union Commission Chairpersonship participated in the Mjadala Afrika debate, presenting their visions for advancing Africa’s development and integration on Friday (December 13).
The Africa Industrialization Week (AIW) 2024 was held in Addis Ababa from December 9-13. This year’s event featured activities aimed at empowering women, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opportunities, building partnerships, securing access to funding, providing policy support, and promoting innovation. The program included panel discussions, workshops, training sessions, and exhibitions.
Ministers responsible for Children’s Affairs from the IGAD region convened in Addis Ababa on Friday (December 13) to validate and adopt the IGAD Child Policy Framework. The meeting addressed challenges facing children in member states, aligning with international and regional commitments to child rights.
Ethiopia and Czech Republic Strengthen Bilateral Ties Through High-Level Visit
Aiming to enhance Ethiopia-Czech Republic relations, a high-level delegation led by Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Marian Jurečka, conducted a three-day working visit to Ethiopia from December 7-9.
During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Marian Jurečka held discussions on bilateral and multilateral issues with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos, State Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente, and State Minister of Water and Energy Abraha Adugna.
In his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen, DPM Marian commended Ethiopia’s progress and reiterated the Czech Republic’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties. Following their talks, the two Deputy Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of two key agreements: a Memorandum of Understanding on development cooperation between Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance and the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an agreement on tourism collaboration between Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism and the Czech National Museum.
Discussions with Minister Gedion Timothewos centered on enhancing economic cooperation and collaboration in multilateral forums. Marian Jurečka highlighted the importance of deepening ties beyond bilateral engagements. Minister Gedion recognized the Czech Republic’s constructive role in Ethiopia’s relations with the European Union.
To foster people-to-people and cultural connections, the Deputy Prime Minister visited Abrhot Public Library, donating books by Czech authors. He also toured the Adwa Memorial Museum, where he laid a wreath, and inspected farm equipment and assembly centers of the Ethiopian Agricultural Business Corporation, handing over tractors imported from the Czech Republic. Additionally, the Czech Geological Survey presented a new Ethiopian geological map to the State Minister of Water and Energy during a bilateral meeting.
Accompanying the Deputy Prime Minister, a Czech business delegation visited Bole Lemi and Kilinto industrial parks to explore investment opportunities.
The visit concluded with the Ethiopian-Czech Business Forum held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Addis Ababa. Deputy Prime Minister Marian and Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered opening remarks.
DPM Marian emphasized that the forum would facilitate alliances between Czech and Ethiopian businesses, enabling them to capitalize on investment opportunities in both countries. Ambassador Birtukan highlighted Ethiopia’s vast investment potential, recent macroeconomic reforms, and measures to address foreign currency shortages and other challenges. She encouraged Czech companies to seize opportunities in Ethiopia.
The forum featured a presentation by the Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, detailing Ethiopia’s investment prospects. Czech business representatives introduced their companies and areas of expertise. The event concluded with business-to-business discussions, paving the way for future collaboration.
FM Gedion Receives UN Country Team, Advocates Enhancing Multisectoral Cooperation
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, had an audience at the Ministry with the United Nations Country Team, comprised of the representatives of UN offices and specialized agencies based in Addis Ababa, headed by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ramiz Alakbarov, on Wednesday (December 4).
During the meeting, Minister Gedion highlighted Ethiopia’s key role in the establishment and growth of multilateralism and the United Nations System. He praised UN institutions for their significant contributions to advancing Ethiopia’s efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In turn, UN officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the long-standing cooperation between Ethiopia and the UN, particularly in the peace-development-humanitarian assistance nexus.
Minister Gedion emphasized Ethiopia’s position as a founding member of the United Nations and its ongoing advocacy for the UN’s core principles and mission. He stressed the importance of reinforcing existing cooperation and aligning UN support with Ethiopia’s national policies and initiatives to improve the lives of vulnerable populations.
Ramiz Alakbarov expressed appreciation for Ethiopia’s collaborative spirit and reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting the country’s development across all sectors. The Minister noted that UN offices and programs in Ethiopia should prioritize supporting the nation’s resilience to humanitarian and environmental challenges and reducing reliance on foreign aid through home-grown solutions. These priorities align with the SDGs and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and should be pursued in coordination with relevant Ethiopian ministries and agencies.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and representatives also reiterated their agencies’ readiness to continue supporting Ethiopia’s aforementioned key priorities.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to foster closer collaboration, marking a strengthened partnership between Ethiopia and the UN in pursuit of shared development goals.
70 Years of Ethiopia-Japan Partnership: A Celebration of Friendship and Cooperation
Ethiopia and Japan share a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared aspirations. This partnership, rooted in diplomacy, development, and cultural exchanges, continues to thrive, serving as a testament to the strength of collaboration between nations.
Since the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1930, which marked Japan’s first diplomatic engagement with an African country, Ethiopia and Japan have worked together in various areas, demonstrating a commitment to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity. Over the decades, this bond has evolved into a multifaceted partnership encompassing economic development, technical cooperation, and people-to-people connections.
Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) has played a significant role in supporting Ethiopia’s development initiatives since the 1960s. The collaboration began with technical cooperation in public health and has since expanded to diverse sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, education, and capacity building. Ethiopian professionals and communities have greatly benefited from training programs, technical support, and grassroots initiatives.
The relationship is further strengthened by the work of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has supported Ethiopia in its efforts to achieve sustainable growth. Noteworthy projects include the construction of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and water supply systems, alongside initiatives that enhance education and empower communities. For example, projects like the Addis Ababa-Debre Markos Road and the Abay Bridge symbolize the tangible outcomes of this cooperation.
Ethiopia acknowledges the importance of this partnership, emphasizing the shared vision that drives the collaboration. The Ethiopian government values JICA’s approach, which prioritizes local ownership and a collaborative spirit. This shared commitment to addressing development challenges, including poverty eradication, gender equality, and capacity building, has further deepened the ties between the two countries.
The Ethiopian government and people are equally committed to nurturing this relationship, as evidenced by their engagement in cultural and technical exchanges. These efforts include the deployment of Japanese volunteers and experts who work closely with Ethiopian counterparts to address local needs and create lasting impact.
As the world faces evolving challenges, Ethiopia and Japan continue to stand together in pursuit of sustainable development and regional stability. The recent commemoration of milestones such as the 70th anniversary of Japan’s ODA and the 50th anniversary of Japanese volunteer deployment in Ethiopia underscores the strength and significance of this enduring partnership.
Looking ahead, Ethiopia remains committed to fostering this collaboration, leveraging it to achieve its development goals, and further strengthening the ties that bind the two nations. The partnership between Ethiopia and Japan stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through mutual respect, shared values, and a dedication to common objectives.
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