Ethiopia and the United States Agree to Strengthen Cooperation in Regional Peace and Security
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Holds Discussions with Leaders of Competing Political Parties
Ethiopian Trade and Investment B2B Forum Successfully Held in Addis Ababa
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
A delegation led by President Taye Atske Selassie attended the U.S .-Africa Business Summit from June 22 to 25 in Luanda, Angola, and held bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the summit.
Prime Minister Abiy Amed recieved on Thursday (June 26) Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where they discussed key bilateral and continental issues of mutual interest. the Vice President upon his arrival to Addis Ababa, he was welcomed by Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos.
PM Abiy held talks with General Michael E. Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), on Friday (June 20), focusing on strengthening cooperation between Ethiopia and the United States in the areas of regional peace, security, and counterterrorism. (See article)
As part of continued engagements with stakeholders across various sectors, Prime Minister Abiy convened a high-level consultative meeting with leaders of competing political parties on Thursday (June 19). The dialogue focused on critical national issues, including constitutional reform, national dialogue, institutional restructuring, peace and stability, displacement and return, economic transformation, corruption, social inclusion, access to the sea, and the broader vision for Ethiopia’s future. (See article)
The Premier also held discussions with media professionals on Tuesday (June 24), urging journalists to act responsibly, look beyond surface-level information, and prioritize the national interest. Earlier, on Sunday (June 22), he met with health professionals to highlight progress in expanding health infrastructure, workforce growth, increased private sector participation, and advancements in local pharmaceutical production and digital health systems.
FM Gedion visited the “Ethiopia Through the Eyes of Diplomats” photo exhibition at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Friday (June 27). Themed “Togetherness – Celebrating Diversity and Harmony,” the photo exhibition is a collaborative project organized by the Addis Ababa-based diplomatic corps, the Culture Club, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera met with Portuguese Ambassador to Ethiopia Luísa Fragoso on Wednesday (June 25) in his office. The two officials reaffirmed the longstanding relations between Ethiopia and Portugal and discussed ways to deepen trade and investment ties.
Ambassador Hadera received Algerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mohammed Khalid on Monday (June 23) to review bilateral cooperation and follow up on outcomes of the 5th Ethiopia–Algeria Joint Ministerial Commission held in April.
Ambassador Hadera also met with Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Nasir Aminu on Monday (June 23) for discussions on issues of mutual interest. Both sides expressed commitment to deepening the longstanding diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Nigeria.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye met with Workinesh Mekonnen, Director of the UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office, on Wednesday (June 25) in Addis Ababa. The two held productive discussions on enhancing the long-standing partnership between Ethiopia and UNOPS.
The Ethiopian Trade and Investment Business-to-Business (B2B) Forum was successfully held on Wednesday (June 25) at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. The event brought together officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopian Investment Commission, and Board Members of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, as well as members of the Ethiopian business community and foreign company representatives, primarily from China. (See article)
The National Bank of Ethiopia released a new directive on Wednesday (June 25), marking the final step in opening the country’s financial sector to foreign investors. Directive No. SBB/94/2025, issued following broad consultations and the recent Banking Business Proclamation, allows foreign banks and strategic investors to enter the Ethiopian market via subsidiaries, branches, or representative offices.
Ethiopia participated in the BRICS Urbanization Ministerial Forum held in Brasilia, Brazil, on Tuesday (June 24). Ethiopian Ambassador to Brazil, Leulseged Tadesse, presented Ethiopia’s integrated urban development initiatives, highlighting the Urban Corridor Development aimed at making cities inclusive, safe, green, and sustainable.
Djibouti
President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh reaffirmed on Monday (June 23), via videoconference, his country’s confidence in the central role of the United Nations in promoting global peace, security, and sustainable development, marking the UN’s 80th anniversary.
Africa and the African Union
At the USA-Africa Summit in Luanda on Tuesday (June 24), African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described U.S.-Africa private sector collaboration as a game changer for shared prosperity. He emphasized Africa’s shift from aid to co-created business partnerships and highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, digital technology, energy, and agribusiness for U.S. investors.
The Fourth Annual Southern African National Public Health Institute Meeting was held in Harare on Thursday (June 26) under the theme “Strengthened Information, Knowledge Sharing and Peer-to-Peer Mentorship.” Health experts and officials called on all AU member states to establish fully functional national public health institutes (NPHIs) capable of leading disease prevention and emergency response.
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said on Saturday (June 21) that Ethiopia is advancing seamless institutional structures through comprehensive governance reforms. He was speaking at the 10th Continental Africa Public Service Day (APSD), held in Addis Ababa under the theme “Building agile and resilient public institutions for equitable service delivery.”
Ethiopia and the United States Agree to Strengthen Cooperation in Regional Peace and Security
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with General Michael E. Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), on Friday (June 20), focusing on strengthening cooperation between Ethiopia and the United States in the areas of regional peace, security, and counterterrorism.
The commitment signifies a strategic step forward in the two nations’ long-standing defense cooperation at the highest level aimed at addressing regional security challenges and fostering stability in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia has been a dependable and capable partner of the USA in the maintenance of peace and regional stability in the Horn of Africa. In view of that, the US reiterated its desire for revitalizing strong and solid partnerships on counterterrorism among capable actors, which is critical to deal with and avert threats posed by Al-Shabaab, ISIS and other terrorist groups in the Horn of Africa.
It is a well-known fact that Ethiopia has been a linchpin in the fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa with immense experience, exhibiting practical capability in discharging critical regional roles and running independent operations against terrorism for over three decades.
During his engagements with the Prime Minister and other senior Ethiopian Military officials including Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), General Langley acknowledged Ethiopia’s critical role in counterterrorism operations and regional security. He emphasized that U.S. military engagement in Africa is based on enabling African-led solutions, strengthening capable institutions, and supporting independent African operations.
Field Marshal Berhanu, on his part, recalling the historic ties between the two countries that span over a century, underscored that the meeting paved the way for ‘‘reaching a clear understanding on a number of key regional defense and security issues, particularly regarding stability in the Red Sea and the wider Horn of Africa.” “We have agreed to enhance our collaboration in addressing regional security challenges. Our partnership with the United States is built on shared interests, and the discussion reaffirms our joint commitment to regional peace and cooperation,” he added.
The visit of General Langley to Ethiopia came amidst the current evolving regional security challenges and threats in the Horn of Africa on the one hand and potential economic partnership opportunities and wide-ranging reforms in Ethiopia that call for enhanced security and economic partnership and frequent dialogue.
The visit also came at a time when the US is taking a different approach to security cooperation, “one that links security with trade and investment.” Hence, it is an important step towards aligning policies and engagements at the highest level. In practical terms, Gen. Langley expressed AFRICOM’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the ENDF in key areas, including counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and joint training initiatives.
In a nutshell, regional peace and security have always been the key pillars of the Ethio-US bilateral partnership. The two countries are inextricably linked and bonded by historical threads, geo-strategic mutual interests, and concerns. A clear understanding of the context of the relationship, the natural geostrategic linkage, and the convergence of common concerns and interests has provided a strong foundation for charting forward-looking prospects
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Holds Discussions with Leaders of Competing Political Parties
As part of continued engagements with stakeholders across various sectors, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed convened a high-level consultative meeting with leaders of competing political parties on Thursday (June 19). The dialogue focused on critical national issues, including constitutional reform, national dialogue, institutional restructuring, peace and stability, displacement and return, economic transformation, corruption, social inclusion, access to the sea, and the broader vision for Ethiopia’s future.
In addressing constitutional reforms, the Prime Minister underscored that reform is not limited to amending the Constitution. It is already reflected in the government’s leadership style, policies, legal frameworks, and institutional modernization. He emphasized that any constitutional reform must be inclusive and participatory, hence the government’s support for the National Dialogue as the appropriate platform for such engagement.
Highlighting the importance of inclusive national dialogue, Prime Minister Abiy called upon all political actors to participate actively. He cautioned that disengagement weakens democratic culture, whereas constructive engagement, despite differences, strengthens the process and ensures representation of diverse perspectives.
In terms of institutional reform, the Prime Minister pointed to milestones such as the increased independence of the National Election Board and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, whose appointments have been carried out without government interference. He further noted strengthened federal cooperation between regions, particularly between Somali and Afar, as evidence of evolving political maturity.
With regard to peace and stability, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nonviolence, dialogue, and national cohesion. He criticized the use of force as a political tool and stressed the importance of rejecting extremism and divisive rhetoric that undermines long-term peace efforts.
On displacement and return, the government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe and voluntary return of displaced persons. The Prime Minister highlighted progress made in regions such as Raya and Wolkait, while warning against the politicization of resettlement processes. He affirmed the government’s readiness to prevent further conflict and safeguard human dignity.
The Prime Minister outlined Ethiopia’s ongoing economic transformation, noting that the economy has diversified beyond agriculture to include sectors such as mining, ICT, tourism, and manufacturing. He shared key macroeconomic indicators showing progress: foreign reserves have tripled, exports have doubled, public debt has declined to 13 percent, and the trade balance continues to improve. Job creation and overseas employment facilitation have also been prioritized, with 4.5 million domestic jobs created and half a million Ethiopians enabled to work legally abroad.
Addressing corruption, Prime Minister Abiy reiterated that institutional measures are being taken to root out systemic malpractice. Notable among these is the digitization of land registration processes to improve transparency and reduce fraud. He reaffirmed that land remains a public resource, with leasehold being the only legal mechanism for private access.
In the area of social inclusion, the Prime Minister cited initiatives led by the Office of the First Lady, including the construction of over 30,000 preschool centers, the modernization of prosthetics production, and the establishment of Africa’s leading school for the blind. Women’s empowerment, particularly for women in opposition politics, remains a central pillar of the government’s development approach.
Regarding access to the sea, the Prime Minister reiterated Ethiopia’s principled position advocating peaceful, lawful, and mutually beneficial solutions. He stressed that Ethiopia’s economic stability and development positively impact regional peace and prosperity, and that ensuring access to vital commodities such as fuel, fertilizer, and food is a shared interest among neighbouring states.
The Prime Minister called for a spirit of peaceful political competition. He urged all stakeholders to respect democratic outcomes and emphasized that Ethiopia’s future lies in cooperation, not confrontation. He concluded by encouraging all political parties and civic actors to actively participate in the National Dialogue process, as a genuine commitment to lasting peace, democracy, and national unity.
Ethiopian Trade and Investment B2B Forum Successfully Held in Addis Ababa
The Ethiopian Trade and Investment Business-to-Business (B2B) Forum was successfully held on Wednesday (June 25) at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. The event brought together officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopian Investment Commission, and Board Members of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, as well as members of the Ethiopian business community and foreign company representatives, primarily from China.
The forum aimed to facilitate trade and investment exchanges and create direct linkages between Ethiopian and international companies across key sectors.
Ambassador Negus Kebede, Director-General of the Middle East, Asian and Pacific Countries’ Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered opening remarks. He emphasized Ethiopia’s strategic geographical location as a natural gateway to Africa, with proximity to both European and Middle Eastern markets. He also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to foster a conducive investment environment, guided by the 10-Year Development Plan and the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda.
Ambassador Negus elaborated on Ethiopia’s macroeconomic, fiscal, and structural reforms aimed at boosting industrial output, diversifying exports, and achieving inclusive and sustainable growth. He noted recent liberalization efforts, including the opening of Ethiopia’s financial sector to foreign banks, the launch of the country’s first capital market, and the liberalization of telecommunications, logistics, energy, and retail sectors. He encouraged foreign investors to seize these opportunities and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting their engagement.
He also highlighted Ethiopia’s competitive advantages, including a dynamic and trainable labor force, vast arable land, and a favorable climate for agribusiness. The Ambassador invited investors to explore opportunities in priority sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, renewable energy, tourism, and the digital economy.
Zhao Zhinjiang, Chairman of Shanghai Huiguan Cultural Media Co., Ltd. and head of the foreign business delegation, expressed optimism about the potential for trade and investment collaboration in Ethiopia. He acknowledged the country’s large population and market potential and noted his institution’s continued engagement with Ethiopian partners, including co-organizing the forum in collaboration with the Ethiopian Embassy in China.
Mekonnin Hailu, Team Leader at the Ethiopian Investment Commission, delivered a presentation outlining Ethiopia’s investment landscape, available incentives, and key policy initiatives aimed at supporting investors.
The forum featured sector-specific B2B and matchmaking sessions in areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing, new energy and e-mobility, infrastructure and construction, transport and logistics, mining, tourism and hospitality, and pharmaceuticals and health.
The event attracted participants from the local and international business communities and served as an important platform to deepen commercial partnerships and promote future collaboration.
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