President Taye Signs the Global Gateway Agreement
PM Abiy Attends 24th COMESA Summit in Nairobi
Ethiopian Diplomacy Day Celebrated in Addis Ababa and Abroad
Ethiopia Launches First Export Under AfCFTA Framework
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Ethiopia and the European Union signed a new partnership agreement on the sidelines of the Global Gateway Forum held from October 9-10 in Brussels, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides. The agreement, signed by President Taye Atske-Selassie and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirms the shared commitment to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development. (See article)
On Tuesday (October 14), President Taye received letters of credentials of newly appointed Ambassadors to Ethiopia from Mauritania, Kazakhstan, the Holy Sea, Bangladesh, the Arab League, Indonesia, Serbia, Sweden, Canada, Switzerland, Egypt, Hungary, San Marino and Turkmenistan.
The 18th National Flag Day was commemorated at the House of People’s Representatives under the theme “Our flag is the herald for a great era of prosperity, national unity, sovereignty, and the Ethiopian Renaissance.” President Taye Atske Selassie delivered a message on the 18th anniversary of Flag Day, saying this year’s motto shows that the flag is both a historical symbol and a testament to Ethiopia’s rapid growth.
The Council of Ministers chaired by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, held its 49th regular meeting on Tuesday (October 14) in Addis Ababa, addressing national priorities and adopting key resolutions.
On the same day, Prime Minister Abiy appointed Sandokan Debbebe as the newly established Commissioner of the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Md. Touhid Hossain at his office in Addis Ababa on Monday (October 13), stressing the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and investment.
Ethiopian Diplomacy Day was observed on Tuesday (October 14) with events held in Addis Ababa and at Ethiopian missions worldwide. Established to become an annual tradition, the day honors over a century of Ethiopia’s diplomatic legacy, grounded in peace, respect, and service to the nation. (See article)
On the same day, Minister Gedion met with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla at his office, where they discussed ways to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Cuba, which span fifty years of solidarity.
Foreign Minister Gedion, along with the entire staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commemorated the 18th National Flag Day on Monday (October 13) at the ministry headquarters and across all Ethiopian missions abroad, highlighting the flag as a symbol of sovereignty, unity, and collective achievement through programs reflecting national pride and institutional solidarity.
Minister Gedion officially launched an intensive training on the Ministry’s Smart Office and Digitalization initiative on Wednesday (October 15), as part of its ongoing institutional reform efforts.
Ethiopia was recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its outstanding achievement under the Green Legacy Initiative, winning in the category of Sustainable Forest Management and Use on Wednesday (October 15). Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa received the award on behalf of Ethiopia at FAO Headquarters in Rome.
Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, attended the 114th Ministers and Governors of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four during the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings on Thursday (October 16). The G-24 Finance Ministers and Governors, under the chairmanship of Argentina, convened to discuss Structural Transformation Policies for Unlocking Growth Potential.
Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, met with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Abdullah Elihya on Wednesday (October 15) to build on discussions between the Ethiopian President and Kuwait’s Crown Prince at the UNGA. The meeting focused on enhancing the long-standing bilateral partnership and promoting economic cooperation. During his visit, the State Minister also held the third round of political consultations and a series of meetings aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.
Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, Jam Kamal Khan, arrived in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (October 15) to attend the 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition, scheduled for October 16–18. Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, he was warmly received by State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, along with other senior officials from the Ministry. The event saw the participation of more than 110 business delegates from Pakistan alongside companies from across the African continent.
Ethiopia was elected as the first vice chairperson of the UNHCR Executive Committee (ExCom) at the closing session of its 76th meeting in Geneva on Saturday (October 11), reflecting broad regional and international support.
Ethiopia participated in the Pre-COP30 Ministerial Meeting in Brasília on Monday (October 13), where Ambassador Leulseged Tadesse highlighted the Addis Ababa Declaration from the 2nd Africa Climate Summit as a key input for COP30, reaffirming Africa’s proactive role in climate solutions and citing Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a model of sustainable action.
Djibouti
Ambassador Legesse Tulu, appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of Djibouti, took the oath of office before Tewodros Mihret, President of the Federal Supreme Court, after receiving his credentials from President Taye on Tuesday (October 14).
Kenya
The 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government was convened on Thursday (October 9) in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Leveraging Digitization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by his delegation, participated in the summit and delivered a keynote address. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy expressed his condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday (October 15).
Somalia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia on Sunday (October 12), holding discussions on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.
Sudan
Ethiopian Airlines announced on Wednesday (October 15) the reinstatement of its flight to Port Sudan, which will operate daily. Starting November 1, the airline will increase the frequency to twice daily.
Africa and the African Union
Ethiopia launched the first export under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) on Thursday (October 9). Vice President of the Prosperity Party and Head of the Coordination Center for Democracy Building with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister Adem Farah, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe, Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime, Minister of Justice Hana Araya Selassie, senior government officials and distinguished guests welcomed the first cargo. (See article)
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla on Monday (October 13), where they discussed the historic ties between Africa and Cuba, both reaffirming their commitment to strengthening AU–Cuba relations
Chairperson Youssouf, together with Ethiopia’s Minister of Labour and Skills Development Muferihat Kamil Ahmed, officially opened Africa Skills Week 2025 on Tuesday (October 14) in Addis Ababa, calling for a continent-wide effort to strengthen skills and innovation.
President Taye Signs the Global Gateway Agreement
Ethiopia and the European Union signed a new partnership agreement on the sidelines of the Global Gateway Forum held from October 9-10 in Brussels, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides. The agreement, signed by President Taye Atske-Selassie and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirms the shared commitment to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development.
In his remarks, President Taye described the occasion as a milestone in the enduring partnership between Ethiopia and the European Union. He noted that since the signing of the 2016 Joint Declaration on a Strategic Engagement, cooperation between Ethiopia and the EU has gained new momentum, evolving from traditional development assistance into a more strategic and results-oriented framework.
The President underlined that the Global Gateway’s priority areas of renewable energy, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure are closely aligned with Ethiopia’s national development strategy. He identified three key areas for future collaboration: establishing a Joint Africa Technology Innovation Platform, including regional centers of excellence in green energy and digital services to accelerate knowledge transfer; launching a Value Chain Integration Initiative to strengthen industrial linkages and competitiveness; and expanding cooperation in sustainable infrastructure and digital connectivity to support inclusive growth.
President Taye reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to working closely with the European Union to build a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking partnership that delivers tangible benefits for both sides.
The European Union announced a €105 million support package to advance land governance, nature preservation, migration management, and women’s economic empowerment, as well as refugee resilience and reintegration. The new partnership will further promote investment in clean energy, digital transformation, agri-food value chains, and health systems under the Global Gateway framework.
At the Forum, discussions focused on boosting economic investment through Global Gateway, particularly in the areas of digitalization, renewable energy, agri-food systems, and health.
During the Forum, President Taye also held a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where both sides emphasized the importance of advancing a strong trade and investment agenda. The EU expressed its readiness to support Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms and its efforts to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development.
President Taye further met with Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission. Their discussions covered a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues, including the need to scale up Ethiopia–EU cooperation and to strengthen peace and security in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
Ethiopia and the European Union continue to work together to promote long-term stability and inclusive growth. Through the Global Gateway initiative, both sides are investing in renewable energy, digitalization, sustainable agri-food systems, transport, and human development.
The Global Gateway represents the EU’s positive offer to foster smart, clean, and secure connections in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening health, education, and research systems. The Forum brings together leaders from the European Union and across the world, alongside the private sector, civil society, financial institutions, and international organizations, to promote sustainable investment and shared prosperity worldwide.
PM Abiy Attends 24th COMESA Summit in Nairobi
The 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government was convened on Thursday (October 9) in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Leveraging Digitization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by his delegation, participated in the summit and delivered a keynote address.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister highlighted Africa’s abundant talent and strong digital foundations, emphasizing their potential to connect national initiatives and accelerate regional integration.
He showcased Ethiopia’s progress in digital transformation, citing initiatives such as Digital Ethiopia 2030, the nationwide digital ID program, a strong digital payment ecosystem, and the training of young Ethiopians in coding and artificial intelligence.
PM Abiy called on African nations to deepen regional collaboration, envisioning a commercial environment where digital identification, payments, and data flows operate seamlessly, fostering trust, innovation, and inclusive prosperity. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to working with neighboring countries to harness digital potential as a driver of regional growth and shared prosperity across COMESA member states.
The summit also marked a leadership transition within COMESA, with Kenya’s President William Ruto assuming the Chair of the COMESA Authority from Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye, while Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa took on the role of Vice Chair.
COMESA was established in December 1994, with the aim of promoting regional integration and economic cooperation among member states. Its primary goal is to create a large, competitive economic community that fosters trade, investment, and sustainable development.
Ethiopian Diplomacy Day Celebrated in Addis Ababa and Abroad
Ethiopian Diplomacy Day was observed on Tuesday (October 14) with events held in Addis Ababa and at Ethiopian missions worldwide. Established to become an annual tradition, the day honors over a century of Ethiopia’s diplomatic legacy, grounded in peace, respect, and service to the nation.
Ethiopia has historically played a pivotal role in international diplomacy. From being a founding member of the League of Nations to contributing to the establishment of the Organization of African Unity, the country’s foreign policy has long been anchored in dialogue, multilateralism, and mutual respect.
In Addis Ababa, a diplomatic family gathering was held, where Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos paid tribute to Ethiopian diplomats who have represented the nation on the global stage. During the event, Diplomacy Day was officially recognized to be commemorated annually on October 14, highlighting the dedication of diplomats and the enduring principles guiding Ethiopia’s foreign service. The occasion also included a recognition ceremony honoring diplomats who have retired from service.
Minister Gedion noted that this year’s observance extended beyond the dinner reception, encompassing a series of activities over the preceding days that reflected the unity and commitment of Ethiopia’s diplomatic community. Among these activities were the Model African Union Simulation Summit at the African Union headquarters and a Diplomats’ Sports Competition at Entoto Park. Minister Gedion emphasized that the Model African Union Simulation Summit was designed to promote Pan-African ideals among young Ethiopians and inspire the next generation of diplomats.
Ethiopian embassies, permanent missions, and consulates abroad also organized cultural programs, engaging diplomats, their families, and invited guests, further strengthening the sense of community and shared purpose within the diplomatic corps.
In his remarks, Minister Gedion described Ethiopian diplomacy as “a service that demands persistence, integrity, and trust,” adding that diplomacy is not merely about negotiations but about representing the hopes and values of the entire nation.
This year’s celebration marks 118 years since the founding of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1907, during the reign of Emperor Menelik II. At that time, Ethiopia stood among the few independent African nations determined to assert its voice in global affairs.
Since then, successive generations of Ethiopian diplomats have built upon this foundation, strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties, protecting the nation’s sovereignty, promoting peace across borders and beyond. Their steady and often understated work has cemented Ethiopia’s reputation as a resilient and principled actor in international affairs.
Beyond official ceremonies, Diplomacy Day carries a deeper significance. It is a moment to reflect with pride on past achievements, to honor those who have served, and to recommit to the nation’s diplomatic mission. In a world shaped by evolving alliances and new global challenges, Ethiopia’s diplomacy continues to be guided by respect, cooperation, and a vision for a more peaceful and united Africa.
Ethiopia Launches First Export Under AfCFTA Framework
Ethiopia launched the first export underthe African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) on Thursday (October 9). Vice President of the Prosperity Party and Head of the Coordination Center for Democracy Building with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister Adem Farah, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe, Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime, Minister of Justice Hana Araya Selassie, senior government officials and distinguished guests welcomed the first cargo.
The official launch of AfCFTA is a sign of the Ethiopian government’s continued efforts to turn its words into action, said Adem Farah.
In addition to Ethiopian Airlines cargo, launch cargo was also delivered by land transport. Agricultural products were sent to Kenya, Somalia, and South Africa, demonstrating Ethiopia’s readiness to facilitate trade relations with the continent of 1.3 billion people and vast market opportunities, said Minister Kassahun Gofe.
This Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, implemented under the coordination of the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, is a major milestone for Ethiopia, a founding member of the African Union and a leading advocate of Pan-Africanism, said Kassahun. It will create an enabling environment for Ethiopia to take its rightful place in international trade relations, he added.
AfCFTA is a trade agreement launched on January 1, 2021, aimed at creating a single continental market for goods and services across Africa, encompassing African Union member states. Its main goals are to boost intra-African trade by reducing tariffs and trade barriers, stimulate industrialization and economic diversification, and enhance competitiveness of African economies in the global market.
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