Ethiopia and Somalia Strengthen Cooperation on Peace and Security
Ethiopia Inaugurates Restored National Palace
Ethiopia Secures Over $1 Billion from Gold Export in Five Months
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
The restored National Palace was officially inaugurated on Sunday (December 29) in the presence of President Taye Atske-Selassie, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and senior government officials. (See article)
A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Minister of Defense Aisha Mohammed, carried out a working visit to Somalia on Thursday (January 2). This follows a visit to Ethiopia by a high-level Somali delegation led by Ali Mohamed Omar, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; the recent exchange of visits and high-level bilateral discussions builds on the progress achieved through the signing of the Ankara Declaration in December 2024. (See article)
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met with the ambassadors of Norway, Sweden, and Finland to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues on Friday (January 10). During the meeting, the FM highlighted Ethiopia’s reforms and called for Nordic investment. The ambassadors praised Ethiopia’s green economy efforts and pledged support for reforms and peace initiatives in the Horn of Africa.
An Ethiopian delegation led by Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente participated in the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Special Summit, held in Kampala, Uganda, on Thursday (January 10).
The third National Anti-Illicit Trade Summit, organized by the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, took place in Addis Ababa on Sunday (December 29). During the summit, it was revealed that Ethiopia has generated over 1 billion USD from gold exports in the last five months alone. This remarkable achievement is largely attributed to the government’s comprehensive macroeconomic reform program, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration. (See article)
On Friday (January 10), Ethiopia launched its first stock exchange in over five decades as part of its broader macroeconomic reforms aimed at attracting investment. This marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to modernize its financial sector and signal its readiness for global investment opportunities.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, attended the inauguration of the Kuriftu Resort and Spa African Village, a landmark Pan-African resort designed to showcase African-themed conference and lodging facilities, on Saturday (January 4). The resort includes meeting halls and conference rooms named after African founding fathers, including Emperor Haile Selassie, Julius Nyerere, Ketema Yifru, Modibo Keïta and others.
Ambassador Mesganu met with Turkish Ambassador Berk Baran to discuss bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues on Thursday (January 9). The talks focused on enhancing trade, investment, and cooperation in peace and security in the Horn of Africa. Ambassador Mesganu underscored the strong Ethiopia-Türkiye ties and invited Turkish businesses to leverage Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms.
On Wednesday (January 8), Ambassador Mesganu appeared on the Ethiopian News Agency’s “Pulse of Africa” show to discuss Ethiopia’s pivotal role in maintaining regional peace and stability, promoting economic integration, and preparing for the 38th AU Summit. He emphasized that Ethiopia’s foreign policy prioritizes its neighbors and advancing regional integration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic wildfires in Los Angeles, California, which have resulted in loss of life, the evacuation of thousands, and significant damage to property and natural habitats, in a statement issued on Friday (January 10).
Director General of the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority, Hana Tehelku, was interviewed on the ‘Ethiopia in Focus’ program, hosted by Prime Minister Office Press Secretary Billene Seyoum on Monday (January 6). Hana highlighted that significant steps have been taken to establish regulatory frameworks and strengthen the authority’s capacity. She underscored that the capital market aligns with the Ethiopian government’s vision of a private sector-led economy, financial inclusion, and sustainable economic development.
Kenya
President William Ruto and President João Lourenço met at the Presidential Palace in Luanda, Angola, on Wednesday (January 8). They agreed to resume Kenya Airways’ direct flights to Luanda and to reciprocally waive visa requirements, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and foster mutual benefits.
On the same day, United States Vice President Kamala Harris held discussions with President Ruto, thanking him for their partnership and exploring collaboration in areas such as digital inclusion, technology, artificial intelligence, climate action, clean energy, and the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
On Tuesday (January 7), President Ruto attended the inauguration ceremony of Ghana’s President-elect, John Mahama, in Accra. The two leaders explored ways to strengthen Ghana-Kenya relations, with a focus on trade, investment, and integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Somalia
Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Moallim Fiqi arrived in Kampala, Uganda, on Tuesday (January 7) to participate in the African Union Summit on the Post-Malabo CAADP Agenda.
Africa and the African Union
The African Union is hosting its Extraordinary Summit on the CAADP from January 9 to 11 in Kampala, Uganda. The summit focuses on agriculture, rural development, the blue economy, and a sustainable environment, underscoring the AU’s commitment to addressing continental challenges through strategic development initiatives.
Ethiopia and Somalia Strengthen Cooperation on Peace and Security
A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Minister of Defense Aisha Mohammed, carried out a working visit to Somalia on Thursday (January 2). This follows a visit to Ethiopia by a high-level Somali delegation led by Ali Mohamed Omar, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The recent exchange of visits and high-level bilateral discussions builds on the progress achieved through the signing of the Ankara Declaration in December 2024.
During the visit to Mogadishu, the Ethiopian delegation held fruitful discussions with the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and delivered a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the Somali President. The President accorded a warm reception to the delegation and expressed his readiness to intensify the engagement between the two countries, including through exchanging official visits at the leadership level.
The two sides also held a bilateral discussion headed by their respective Ministers of Defense. Abdulkadir Mohamed Nor, Minister of Defense of the Federal Republic of Somalia, commended the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for its commitment, dedication, and sacrifice, which have been demonstrated by its support for Somalia’s security and stability in both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
Similarly, Defense Minister Aisha noted that counter-terrorism efforts should be a priority and the core of the cooperation between the two sisterly countries. She emphasized the need to dismantle the capabilities of the terrorist groups, mainly Al-Shabab and ISIS, their level of threat, and the need to work together in dismantling their capabilities.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, who took part in the discussion, hailed the important role the Ankara declaration played in facilitating the resolution of the two countries recent diplomatic misunderstanding. He further stated the need to build on this momentum and work to further enhance the relationship between the two states. Ambassador Mesganu underlined that the recent engagements between the two nations are indications of their readiness to enhance this collaboration. The State Minister identified the importance of addressing security challenges through enhancing security partnerships, specifically in the fight against terrorism.
The two sides reaffirmed the commitment to work together to ensure peace and stability in Somalia, the wider region of the Horn of Africa, and the Red Sea. Moreover, the two countries agreed to collaborate on the AUSSOM mission and strengthen bilateral relations through deepening multisectoral engagements.
Owing to the importance of working in close collaboration to deal with common challenges, the two parties also agreed to frequently exchange visits and engage in frank discussions. As part of this, a high-level Somali delegation is expected to pay an official visit to Ethiopia, further cementing the reapproachment between the two nations.
Ethiopia Inaugurates Restored National Palace
The restored National Palace was officially inaugurated on Sunday (December 29) in the presence of President Taye Atske-Selassie, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and senior government officials.
The National Palace was originally constructed to commemorate Emperor Haile Selassie’s Silver Jubilee, hence its former name, Jubilee Palace. It was principally intended as an expansive space for royalty, national leaders, and dignitaries. In an initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy, the National Palace was renovated while ensuring that the palace retains its historical and cultural significance.
Speaking on the occasion, President Taye Atske-Selassie said,
“Today, we’re not only celebrating the renovation of the palace. We are also revealing a profound time capsule from a different era and a repository of history. This isn’t just a palace. It is a storybook. A chronicle of our triumph. our struggle. And even a few of our trials and tribulations.”
While reiterating the paramount significance of the palace in the coming to life of modern Ethiopian diplomacy and the early idea of Pan-Africanism, President Taye reminisced about the fact that it has been a gracious host to leaders across the continent such as Jomo Kenyatta, Kwame Nkrumah, Milton Obote, Gamal Abdel Nasser, Julius Nyerere, Ahmed Ben Bella, Leopold Sedar Senghor, as well as influential freedom fighters such as Nelson Mandela and Samuel Marshall, to mention a few.
In his speech, he also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the custodians, civil servants, and keepers of the palace for their constant efforts to preserve and pass the palace and its tapestry of historical riches on to posterity.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on his part said,
“The National Palace now stands as a testament to our nation’s journey, embodying the resilience, artistry, and vision of our people. By restoring it to its former glory, we honour our past and create a lasting symbol of pride and inspiration for future generations.”
PM Abiy further stated that the newly restored National Palace is set to play a pivotal role in advancing Ethiopia’s tourism sector plan, which prioritizes cultural heritage as a driver of economic growth. He said,
“Building on the success of Unity Park and the growing demand for urban attractions, the National Palace will attract both domestic and international tourists, and expected to boost revenues for local businesses and jobs creation across the tourism value chain. Historical and cultural landmarks like the National Palace play a vital role in spurring urban development and enhancing Ethiopia’s global image.”
In a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Palace Museum is now open to the public, making it one of the prime tourist attractions in Addis Ababa, also known as the ‘Diplomatic and Political Capital of Africa.’ The restoration and public opening of the national palace were carried out with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD).
Ethiopia Secures Over $1 Billion from Gold Export in Five Months
The third National Anti-Illicit Trade Summit, organized by the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, took place in Addis Ababa on Sunday (December 29). During the summit, it was revealed that Ethiopia has generated over 1 billion USD from gold exports in the last five months alone. This remarkable achievement is largely attributed to the government’s comprehensive macroeconomic reform program, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe highlighted the sweeping reforms that have been implemented since July 2024. These measures aim to tackle economic imbalances, strengthen the regulatory framework, and address systemic issues in trade and export sectors. The reforms have introduced targeted strategies to combat contraband, reduce inflation, and create an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth.
Minister Kassahun underscored the profound changes brought about by the reform agenda. Over the past five months, regulatory actions have intensified, with regional states and trade institutions working together to ensure better oversight of economic activities. These collaborative efforts have yielded tangible results, including a significant reduction in inflation. For instance, the inflation rate for food-related goods declined from 29.2 percent to 19.2 percent, reflecting improved market stability and consumer relief.
The reforms have also played a pivotal role in bolstering Ethiopia’s export performance. Gold exports, which generated 300 million USD in the previous Ethiopian Fiscal Year, have soared to over 1 billion USD within just five months. This surge underscores the effectiveness of measures taken to streamline the export process, enhance transparency, and combat illicit practices that previously hindered the sector.
Livestock exports have similarly shown remarkable improvement. The sector, which earned 18 million USD in annual revenue last year, has already exceeded 20 million USD in just five months. This growth demonstrates the broad impact of the reforms across various sectors, fostering resilience and expanding opportunities for revenue generation.
The macroeconomic reforms reflect the government’s commitment to fostering a sustainable, private sector-led economy. By addressing long-standing challenges such as contraband, artificial shortages, and unchecked inflation, the reforms aim to build a more transparent and equitable economic landscape.
Minister Kassahun reiterated the government’s determination to sustain and expand these efforts. He emphasized that the success seen in gold exports, livestock, and other sectors serves as a foundation for continued progress. Moving forward, the government plans to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that the reforms lead to long-term economic transformation and resilience.
The summit provided a platform to assess the achievements of the reform agenda and reaffirm the government’s resolve to advance Ethiopia’s economic potential through coordinated and strategic interventions.
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