Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cuba Visits Ethiopia
Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Held in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia Takes Part in the BRICS Agricultural Working Group Meeting in Brazil
Ethiopia and the European Union Mark 50 Years of Partnership
Ethiopia and China Celebrate 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Ethiopia Commences its Term at the Global Body for Women’s Equality and Empowerment
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed the parliament on Thursday (March 20) on key national matters, including economic progress, political developments, peace, security, and access to the sea, among other issues. Members of Parliament raised inquiries regarding governance, development, and regional cooperation.
The premier held an iftar dinner on Sunday (March 16) at the National Palace, hosting refugees from various countries. The group also had the opportunity to tour the newly restored National Palace.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla undertook a three-day official visit to Ethiopia from March 12 to 14, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. (See article)
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, received Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed Abdulkarim El Khereiji, on Wednesday (March 19) to discuss shared bilateral and regional issues. On the occasion, both sides capitalized on ways of further strengthening the economic relations between the two countries.
FM Gedion received the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) and former Algerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Selma Malika Haddadi and held discussions Tuesday (March 18). The minister wished her a successful tenure in her new role as the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC and assured her of Ethiopia’s continued support.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a recognition dinner for all key stakeholders that helped in the successful completion of the Ordinary Sessions of the 38th Assembly of the Heads State and Government and the 46th Executive Council of the African Union on Friday (March 14). (See article)
The Minister of Finance of Ethiopia, Ahmed Shide, held a high-level meeting with the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion of Zimbabwe, Mthuli Ncube, to explore areas of mutual interest and collaboration on Wednesday (March 19).
Ethiopia took part in the first BRICS Agricultural Working Group technical meeting held in Brasilia from March 12–14. The meeting saw substantive deliberations on agriculture and food security policies and programs in BRICS countries. (See article)
An Ethiopian delegation, led by Ambassador Leulseged Tadese, has also attended the BRICS Senior Energy Officials meeting in Brazil on Thursday (March 20). He emphasized the significance of enhancing cooperation within the BRICS platform to improve energy security and efficiency, aiming for a sustainable and prosperous future.
The Lomé Convention of 1975 is marked as an important milestone for the beginning of an official bilateral partnership between Ethiopia and the European Union. Though some EU Member States already built relations that go back more than half a millennium, the Lomé Convention created a framework for dynamic and enduring relationships, including for development aid, trade cooperation, and technical assistance. (See article)
Ethiopian Airlines Group signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the African Development Bank (AfDB), establishing a partnership on the new Bishoftu International Airport Development Project in Ethiopia on Saturday (March 15). The signing occurred in the presence of Akinwumi Adesina, the President of AfDB, and Finance Minister Ahmed Shide.
A delegatio led by Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kasshun Gofe participated in the 5th World Trade Organization (WTO) working group meeting in Geneva, focusing on market access opportunities tied to the organiation.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, met with the Senior Vice President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Ando Naoki, at his office on Wednesday (March 19). The two sides agreed to continue working closely in multifold sectors.
Ethiopia and China celebrated the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a celebration under the theme “55 Years: A Legacy of Strong Partnership for Shared Prosperity,” at event held at the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing, China. (See article)
Ethiopia has commenced its four-year term as a member of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), a subsidiary body of ECOSOC. As one of the 45 members, Ethiopia is participating in the sixty-ninth session of the CSW, which started this month on Thursday (March 6). (See article)
The 2nd edition of the East Africa Art and Culture Festival is being held in Addis Ababa this week from March 20-23, where high-level delegations from various East African countries have arrived in Addis Ababa, to attend the festival.
A 10-million-Euro landmark project, which supports the Ethiopian coffee value chain by promoting innovative and impact-driven investments, was launched on Tuesday (March 18). The credit line facility is a concessional loan financed by the Italian government.
Djibouti
Djibouti’s Minister of Youth and Culture, Hibo Moumin Assoweh, arrived in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (March 19), for the 2nd East African Arts and Culture Festival hosted by Ethiopia. She was warmly welcomed at Bole International Airport by Minister of Culture and Sports, Shewit Shanka.
Kenya
Climate change experts convened in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Wednesday (March 19) to discuss ways to bridge the climate finance gap in Africa. The second Climate Change Global Business Summit on Africa was attended by officials from African governments, the United Nations, multilateral financial institutions, and the private sector.
Sudan
The IGAD Forum of Special Envoys on Harmonizing Mediation Efforts for the Sudan Peace Process was held this week in Addis Ababa. The Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, during the forum on Tuesday (March 18), said a Sudanese people-led and unified mediation effort offers the best path to a negotiated resolution.
Africa and the African Union
The fifty-seventh session of the Economic Commission for Africa’s Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development was held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa from March 12-18. The ministerial segment, which took place on Monday (March 17), was preceded by a preparatory meeting—the forty-third meeting of the Committee of Experts of the Conference of Ministers. (See article)
Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cuba Visits Ethiopia
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla undertook a three-day official visit to Ethiopia from March 12 to 14, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Commencing his visit, Minister Rodríguez Parrilla paid solemn tribute by laying a floral wreath at Ethio-Cuba Friendship Park honoring Cuban heroes and heroines who lost their lives while fighting alongside their Ethiopian sisters and brothers during the 1977/78 Ethio-Somalia War, a conflict sparked by Somalia’s territorial ambitions in eastern Ethiopia.
The minister engaged in a series of high-level meetings with senior government officials of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, focusing on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. Among these, he held a productive discussion with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, addressing key bilateral issues and areas of mutual interest. Their dialogue emphasized collaborative strategies to advance shared goals, fostering deeper cooperation between the two nations.
Minister Parrilla was also warmly received by Tagesse Chafo, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in a meeting underscoring bilateral collaboration. The two leaders held substantive discussions centered on deepening people-to-people ties between their nations, emphasizing the role of cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and civic engagement in fostering mutual understanding and long-term solidarity. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging shared values and historical connections to strengthen diplomatic and socio-economic cooperation.
In addition, the Foreign Minister engaged in a constructive dialogue with Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, to advance bilateral collaboration in the health sector. Their discussions focused on reinforcing existing partnerships and identifying innovative opportunities for expanded cooperation, underscoring a shared commitment to deepening ties and addressing mutual priorities in the health sector.
During the official visit of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cuba, the governments of Cuba and Ethiopia strengthened bilateral ties by signing two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of Science and Technology, and Sports Development. The agreements were formalized in a signing ceremony attended by dignitaries from both nations. Representing Cuba were FM Parrilla and Meylin Suarez Alvarez, Ambassador of Cuba to Ethiopia. On the Ethiopian side, the signatories included Belete Mola, Minister of Innovation and Technology, and Shewit Shanka, Minister of Culture and Sports. These landmark agreements aim to foster collaboration in strategic sectors, marking a significant step forward in diplomatic and cooperative relations between the two countries.
The Foreign Minister’s visit culminated in a celebratory dinner hosted by Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of Foreign Affairs to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sisterly nations. The event honored five decades of enduring partnership, highlighting the shared history, collaborative achievements, and mutual commitment to deepening bilateral ties. Attended by dignitaries and officials, the occasion served as both a reflection on past successes and a reaffirmation of the two countries’ dedication to fostering future cooperation across regional and global spheres.
Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Held in Addis Ababa
The fifty-seventh session of the Economic Commission for Africa’s Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development was held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa from March 12-18. The ministerial segment, which took place on Monday (March 17), was preceded by a preparatory meeting—the forty-third meeting of the Committee of Experts of the Conference of Ministers.
The conference, themed “Advancing the Implementation of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area: Proposing Transformative Strategic Actions,” featured key addresses from Taye Atske-Selassie, President of Ethiopia; Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance of Zimbabwe and Chair of the Outgoing Bureau; Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of UNECA; and Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat. The conference gathered African ministers, central bank governors, senior officials, development partners, and private sector leaders to discuss economic policies and regional integration.
In his opening speech, Finance Minister Ncube emphasized the importance of accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to address global economic challenges.
Following the opening speech by the Chair of the Outgoing Bureau, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the ECA, Gatete, highlighted the critical role of the AfCFTA in reshaping Africa’s economic future. Regarding this, he proposed four strategic actions: strengthening partnerships and investment platforms, enhancing regional value chains and special economic zones, mobilizing domestic resources and curbing illicit financial flows, and improving infrastructure and digital connectivity.
President Taye provided keynote remarks, highlighting Ethiopia’s commitment to continental integration and economic development. During his address, he said, “It is within our power to turn the African Continental Free Trade Area into a reality that benefits all Africans. History will judge this moment not by the agreements we sign, but by the true progress we accomplish.”
Other addresses were delivered by AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, who emphasized the significance of the AfCFTA and the collective efforts required to achieve its objectives, outlining the strategic actions necessary for its successful implementation. Following their speeches, various ministers and senior dignitaries from across the continent shared their insights and perspectives, enriching the discourse of the conference.
Participants engaged in high-level policy dialogues and roundtable discussions centered on advancing the implementation of the AfCFTA. Key topics included enhancing regional value chains, promoting cross-border investments, leveraging digital payment systems for financial inclusion, and utilizing special economic zones to bolster regional value chains within the AfCFTA framework. The conference also featured the launch of the Economic Report on Africa 2025, providing insights into the continent’s economic landscape and progress toward regional integration.
Foreign Ministry Recognized Key Stakeholders that Contributed to the Successful Completion of the 38th AU Summit
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a recognition ceremony for all key stakeholders that helped in the successful completion of the Ordinary Sessions of the 38th Assembly of the Heads State and Government and the 46th Executive Council of the African Union on Friday (March 14).
The recognition ceremony brought together representatives of more than 35 government institutions and more than a hundred private sector service providers in terms of transport, accommodation, media coverage and hospitality in general. Individuals with exceptional contributions were also recognized. 101 Volunteer Protocol Cadets, who were selected, trained and deployed for the Summit were also present at the ceremony.
On the occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, along with State Ministers Ambassador Birtukan Ayano and Ambassador Mesganu Arga, awarded Certificates of Recognition to members of the National and Main Committee, and stakeholders drawn from various sector institutions, as well as volunteers who contributed to the successful completion of the 38th AU Summit.
In his thanksgiving speech, Gedion said Ethiopia has indeed shown that Addis Ababa is in fact a diplomatic hub and a success story in diplomacy and economic transformation. He said this year’s AU summit was an opportunity whereby Ethiopia showed that it holds a special place in a Pan-African cause. He further thanked stakeholders who had made the Summit a success.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs and Head of the National Committee for the Preparation of the 38th AU Summit, Ambassador Birtukan, on her part, said the summit was an all-round success whereby Ethiopia showcased its diplomatic, economic and political success stories.
This year’s AU Summit, with special emphasis on seamless logistics, impeccable hospitality and image building infused with Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, provided Addis Ababa and Ethiopia at large with ample opportunities to showcase a myriad of development activities in the capital. It also further entrenched Addis Ababa’s exceptional position as the locus of the diplomatic and political capital of not only Africa but also the ever-evolving philosophy of Pan-Africanism.
The Ordinary Sessions of the 38th Assembly of the Heads of State and Government and Executive Council of the African Union took place from February 12-16 under the annual theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” as officially launched by Heads of State and Government during the Summit.
According to the AU Commission, this year’s theme resonates with the “continuing pursuit of justice and equity” of the People of Africa and that “the conversation about reparations has emerged as a critical and transformative dialogue that requires the collective attention and action of Africans and all people of African descent.”
Ethiopia Takes Part in the BRICS Agricultural Working Group Technical Meeting
Ethiopia participated in the first BRICS Agricultural Working Group technical meeting, held in Brasília from March 12–14. The meeting featured substantive discussions on agriculture and food security policies and programs in BRICS countries.
Represented by Ambassador Leulseged Tadesse, Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brazil, Ethiopia shared its experiences in “family farming” and “mechanized agriculture.” The meeting also marked the near conclusion of negotiations on the Agriculture Ministerial Declaration.
With a particular focus on food and nutrition security, sustainable agricultural production, and trade, Brazil’s BRICS presidency has prioritized agriculture as a key area. Apart from Brazil, a global leader in agricultural development, BRICS countries collectively account for 44 percent of global grain production, totaling 1.23 billion metric tons. The Agricultural Working Group technical meeting provided a platform to coordinate the comparative advantages and strengths of BRICS countries to advance the shared agenda of food security and agricultural growth.
Ethiopia used the opportunity to showcase its Cluster Farming approach, which groups small-scale farmers into clusters based on geographic proximity, shared resources, or common agricultural activities. This model promotes collective action, economies of scale, and efficient resource utilization. Ethiopia also highlighted the Yelemat Tirufat initiative, which aims to accelerate efforts toward achieving food and nutritional security at both the family and national levels.
Additionally, under the theme of agricultural mechanization, Ethiopia shared insights into its ancient agricultural heritage while emphasizing its urgent drive to mechanize agriculture. This effort aims to address declining productivity, land degradation, and low resilience to natural challenges. To achieve its target of producing one billion quintals of crops by 2030, Ethiopia is working to scale up irrigation systems and technologies, supply 2.3 million quintals of improved seeds, enhance fertilizer distribution to 32.9 million quintals, and increase the number of tractors to 38,008 and combine harvesters to 14,500. Ethiopia also called for intra-BRICS cooperation to boost local production of agricultural inputs and equipment, expand agricultural financing, and strengthen collaboration in agricultural training, research, and development.
Ethiopia’s proposals for the BRICS Ministerial Declaration on Agriculture were fully adopted with unanimous support. These proposals focus on tangible intra-BRICS cooperation in three key areas: sustainable solutions for soil acidity and alkalinity, enhanced collaboration in irrigation and trade, and the manufacturing of fertilizers. The declaration is expected to be formally adopted during the Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture, scheduled for April 17, 2025.
Ethiopia and the European Union Mark 50 Years of Partnership
The Lomé Convention of 1975 is marked as an important milestone for the beginning of an official bilateral partnership between Ethiopia and the European Union. Though some EU Member States already built relations that go back more than half a millennium, the Lomé Convention created a framework for dynamic and enduring relationships, including for development aid, trade cooperation, and technical assistance.
Over the past five decades, the cooperation between Ethiopia and the EU has been widening in scope and coverage. The 2016 Joint Declaration towards Strategic Partnership Agreement aims to accelerate efforts in working towards a strategic partnership between Ethiopia and the EU by strengthening cooperation in a wide range of issues such as development cooperation, trade and economic development, consolidation of democratic institutions, regional peace and security, migration, as well as on thematic international agendas such as climate change.
It is well known that Ethiopia has been exerting a huge effort in areas of poverty reduction, economic growth and infrastructure development over the past years. In this regard, the EU’s development cooperation, investments, and humanitarian assistance have been instrumental in supporting the overall development of the economy. The EU has also been a key partner in supporting the success of Ethiopia’s “bold and historic” comprehensive microeconomic reform agendas.
Ethiopia and the EU are also working closely on regional security issues. Mounting and complex crises in the region, an apparent resurgence of Al-Shabaab, the expansion of ISIS, Houthi attacks across the Red Sea and their collusion with Al-Shabaab, pose unprecedented threats to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and beyond. It is obvious that averting these extraordinary threats requires closer collaboration and concerted effort.
In this regard, Ethiopia is committed to joining hands with the EU and other partners in service of its national interests and a humble contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security.
Besides the cheering moments, commemorating the last 50 years of excellent Ethiopia-EU bilateral relations would provide an opportunity to draw lessons that could inform today’s decision. Looking into the next 50 years, the two parties need to ask what creative mechanism can be developed to forge a stronger partnership that is important to rise up to the challenges of our time. Both need to set out joint priorities and shared values on the basis of mutual trust and respect. In light of the highly dynamic and complex global changes, Ethiopia and the EU should further solidify their partnership in tackling common global challenges such as climate change, terrorism and violent extremism.
A revitalized and robust engagement with fresh initiatives that encompasses, investment and trade, among others, is paramount. Practical collaboration through the Global Gateway initiative and strong participation of European private companies tapping into the opportunities in the bourgeoning Ethiopian economy are critical. There is no doubt that enhanced participation of the private sector should be the main defining feature that shapes the nature of the relationship over the coming years.
Ethiopia and China Commemorate 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Ethiopia and China celebrated the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a celebration under the theme “55 Years: A Legacy of Strong Partnership for Shared Prosperity,” at event held at the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing, China.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Chen Xiaodong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and Martin Mpapa, Dean of the African Ambassadors to China. More than 500 participants, including esteemed business leaders, ambassadors, and officials from the AU, UN, EU, and Ethiopian community members in China, attended the celebration. The event featured cultural performances from Ethiopia and China, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
Ethiopian Ambassador to China, Tefera Derbew Yimam, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the achievements of the two nations over the past five decades. He noted that the milestone is not just a reflection of time but a testament to the enduring friendship, mutual respect, and shared inspirations that have shaped Ethiopia-China relations. Both countries, he added, have supported each other through challenges and progress.
Ambassador Tefera highlighted key collaboration projects over the past 30 years, such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, Hawassa Industrial Park, Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit, and energy development initiatives, which demonstrate the depth of the partnership. He also acknowledged China’s role in Ethiopia’s human capital development through scholarships, technology transfer, and healthcare support. These collaborations have been strengthened through frameworks like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Additionally, the Ambassador also praised Ethiopian Airlines for its significant role in connecting Africa with China and beyond. Under its slogan “The New Spirit of Africa,” the airline has facilitated trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the two countries. Looking forward, Ethiopia remains committed to working with China in emerging fields such as green energy, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Chen Xiaodong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, reaffirmed China’s dedication to strengthening ties with Ethiopia, describing the relationship as a model of friendship and cooperation between China and Africa. He stated that both nations have always treated each other with sincerity and respect, working together for common prosperity. He also mentioned the evolution of Ethiopia-China relations, which have progressed from a “comprehensive cooperative partnership” to a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership” and, most recently, to an “all-weather strategic partnership,” as elevated during the bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2023.
China remains Ethiopia’s largest trading partner in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing collaboration, energy, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence, opening new opportunities for both nations. Vice Minister Chen highlighted landmark projects such as the African Union Conference Center and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Headquarters as evidence of China’s commitment to Africa’s development. Other key initiatives, including the African Leadership Excellence Academy, the China-Africa-UNIDO Center of Excellence, and the China-Africa Bamboo Center, further reflect the growing partnership between China and Africa.
The past 55 years have been a journey of shared progress, and the next chapter promises even greater achievements. Ethiopia and China’s friendship is not merely a diplomatic relationship—it is a legacy of cooperation, trust, and shared prosperity.
Ethiopia Commences its Term at the Global Body for Women’s Equality and Empowerment
Ethiopia has commenced its four-year term as a member of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), a subsidiary body of ECOSOC. As one of the 45 members, Ethiopia is participating in the sixty-ninth session of the CSW, which started this month on Thursday (March 6).
The 69th session marks the thirtieth-year anniversary of the 4th World Conference on Women that adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in China. It is to be recalled that the Beijing Declaration is the most comprehensive intergovernmental document on equality of women, adopted with the consensus of 189 countries, including Ethiopia. The Declaration encompasses member states commitment to take concrete measures according to their national laws, in the fields of, including but not limited to poverty; education and training; health; violence; and power and decision-making.
In his opening remarks at this year’s CSW session, António Guterres acknowledged that “the promise of women’s equality feels more distant than we might have ever imagined.” The Secretary-General urged all stakeholders to take action by enhancing investments in education and training, supporting women’s organizations, and ensuring the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding and decision-making.
The 69th session adopted a political declaration commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration. The Declaration emphasizes the urgent need to revive political commitment to address gaps in the implementation of women’s rights. It also encourages states to nominate women for the soon-to-open post of UN Secretary-General.
During its term at the CSW, which will run until 2029, Ethiopia will make concerted efforts to bring the African context, along with the concerns and policy targets of African countries, into the multilateral agenda on women’s equality. Ethiopia will also share its best practices in ensuring gender parity in the executive branch of government, legislative and institutional frameworks promoting women’s equality, and improving the roles of women in the security sector, including leadership positions. Additionally, Ethiopia will advocate for a rights-based approach centered on economic empowerment and equal opportunities in education, training, and employment for women.
The CSW was established in 1946 and held its first session with an all-women commission of fifteen in 1947. Its declared objective is “to raise the status of women, irrespective of nationality, race, language, or religion, to equality with men in all fields of human enterprise, and to eliminate all discrimination against women in the provisions of statutory law, in legal maxims or rules, or in the interpretation of customary law.”
Leave Your Comments Here