Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Addresses the House of Peoples’ Representatives
Foreign Minister Timothewos Gedion Visits Russia to Strengthen Cooperation
11th Tana High-level Forum on the Security of Africa Held in Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa
Ethio-China (Shaanxi) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference Held in Addis Ababa
Le Bugue and Dire Dawa Advance Cooperation Through Sister City Partnership
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed responded to questions and provided detailed explanations during the 6th round, 5th year, 2nd regular session of the House of People’s Representatives held on Tuesday (October 28). His address covered a wide range of national issues, including foreign policy, economic development, institutional transformation, and democratic governance. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy visited Misrak Shewa Zone on Wednesday (October 29) to review the rainy season wheat harvest and launch the summer wheat production activities.
The 11th Tana High-Level Forum on the Security of Africa was held in Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa from October 24–26 under the theme “Africa in an Evolving Global Order.” The forum brought together high-level participants, including ministers, former leaders, special envoys to the Horn of Africa, and civil society representatives. (See article)
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Gedion paid an official visit to the Russian Federation from October 20 to 21 to strengthen the bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries. (See article)
Foreign Minister Gedion received a high-level South Sudanese delegation from the Abyei Committee, led by Minister of East African Affairs Pieng Deng Kuol, on Wednesday (October 29). The delegation, which included Deputy Foreign Minister Akuei Bona Malual, briefed Minister Gedion on the situation in South Sudan, particularly in the Abyei region. Minister Gedion emphasized the importance of strengthening infrastructural connectivity to advance regional economic integration.
The Ethiopia-China (Shaanxi) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference was held on Tuesday (October 21) in Addis Ababa. The event brought together Ethiopian government representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, the Ministry of Water and Energy, and the Ethiopian Investment Commission, along with leaders from the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations and officials from China’s Shaanxi Province. (See article)
A high-level delegation from the city of Le Bugue, France, led by Mayor Léonidas Serge, conducted a working visit to Ethiopia beginning on Tuesday (October 14) at the invitation of the Dire Dawa City Administration. (See article)
Ethiopia and the European Union signed a 90 million euro financing agreement for the Annual Action Plan (AAP) 2025 and launched a Public-Private Dialogue on Tuesday (October 28) in Addis Ababa. The agreement, signed by State Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasew and EU Ambassador Sofie From-Emmesberger, supports Ethiopia’s economic reforms, post-conflict recovery, and reconstruction efforts.
Addis Ababa signed the Joint Statement of the BRICS Capitals Parliamentary Movement on Monday (October 27) during a ceremony held at the Moscow Parliamentary Centre. Addis Ababa City Council Speaker Buzena Alkedir signed on behalf of the city, alongside representatives from Minsk, Brasilia, Havana, Tehran, Tshwane, Kampala, and Moscow.
Somalia
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid a working visit to Djibouti, where he participated along with President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh on Thursday (October 30) in the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Arta Peace Conference.
Africa and the African Union
The Third Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development took place from October 28 to 31 in Luanda under the theme “Capital, Corridors, Trade: Investing in Infrastructure for the AfCFTA and Shared Prosperity.” Co-hosted by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the Summit brought together continental leaders who emphasized the need to bridge Africa’s vast infrastructure financing gap to unlock its full growth potential.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Addresses the House of Peoples’ Representatives
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed responded to questions and provided detailed explanations during the 6th round, 5th year, 2nd regular session of the House of People’s Representatives held on Tuesday (October 28). His address covered a wide range of national issues, including foreign policy, economic development, institutional transformation, and democratic governance.
On access to the sea, Prime Minister Abiy stated that the issue is a legal, historical, geographical, and economic matter that requires calm and thoughtful discussion. He questioned the legitimacy of past decisions that deprived Ethiopia of access to the sea, stressing that “When we ask who decided to deprive Ethiopia of access to the Red Sea, it is clear that institutions were not involved. It is therefore appropriate to question who made such a vital decision. Ethiopia cannot exist in isolation.” He further underscored that stressing that Ethiopia’s growth benefits the entire region. “What we seek,” he said, “is shared growth and mutual progress.”
Regarding the equitable use of the Nile, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s right to utilize its natural resources, noting that the Nile’s resources are sufficient for equitable use by all riparian countries. He underscored that Ethiopia’s actions will never harm Egypt or Sudan, emphasizing that cooperation and dialogue are the best paths to mutual benefit.
Addressing the Pretoria Peace Agreement, the Prime Minister outlined its key provisions, emphasizing that it reaffirmed the constitutional authority of the federal government. He explained that the election held by the TPLF was annulled as illegitimate and that the regional administration and council formed through that process should be dissolved. An interim administration comprising all parties, he noted, should be established to ensure inclusive governance. The agreement also underscored the need to uphold the federal system of government elected by the people, disarm armed forces operating in the region, and facilitate their reintegration into normal life through rehabilitation. It further called for the restoration of interrupted services, the return of displaced citizens, and reaffirmed that only the federal government holds the authority to conduct foreign relations.
Turning to economic development, the Prime Minister elaborated on questions raised by Members of Parliament regarding major national mega projects, agricultural production, and inflation. He described ongoing work in gas, fertilizer, airport, and housing development as transformative, noting that domestic fertilizer production is expected to double agricultural productivity. He also highlighted the strong performance of the agricultural sector, with growth reaching 7.3 percent. Rice production increased from 1.5 million quintals to 63 million, while wheat output rose from 47 million to 280 million quintals within a short period of time, reflecting the success of Ethiopia’s agricultural reforms.
Regarding infrastructure development, the Prime Minister pointed to the new airport project as a flagship initiative. The $10 billion facility, with a capacity to serve over 100 million passengers annually, will position Ethiopian Airlines among the world’s leading carriers and strengthen Ethiopia’s role as a major aviation hub in Africa.
To curb inflation, he added, the government allocated 440 billion birr, 160 billion for wage subsidies and 140 billion for fuel subsidies, bringing inflation down to 11.7 percent in October, the lowest level since the start of the reform period. Efforts are continuing, he noted, to bring inflation down to single digits.
In the area of governance and institutional reform, the Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of the one-stop service initiative designed to enhance efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in service delivery. Currently, 18 centers are operational, with plans to expand the network to 100 within the fiscal year. On the upcoming 7th National Election, he affirmed the government’s readiness to conduct the most organized and democratic election in the country’s history, encouraging all political parties to prepare for active participation.
Turning to corridor development, Prime Minister Abiy underscored that corridor development is transforming perceptions of space and community. More than a thousand sports facilities have been built in Addis Ababa alone, encouraging youth participation and contributing to social cohesion and community revitalization.
On multi-sectoral cooperation, he emphasized Ethiopia’s successful transition from an agriculture-based economy to a more diversified one in order to achieve sustainable development. As a key example, he cited the Green Legacy Initiative, through which more than 48 billion seedlings have been planted with the participation of over 25 million Ethiopians annually, demonstrating strong unity and cooperation between the government and the people in advancing national development goals.
11th Tana High-level Forum on the Security of Africa Held in Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa
The 11th Tana High-Level Forum on the Security of Africa was held in Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa from October 24–26 under the theme “Africa in an Evolving Global Order.” The forum brought together high-level participants, including ministers, former leaders, special envoys to the Horn of Africa, and civil society representatives.
The opening session held in Bahir Dar kicked off with welcoming remarks delivered by the President of the Amhara Regional State, Arega Kebede. Welcoming participants, President Arega expressed the regional administration’s commitment to the success of this vital platform, which has deliberated on ways of developing innovative African solutions to continental and global issues for over a decade. The President underscored the forum’s continued relevance in discussing and reflecting on ways in which Africa can effectively harness its natural resources for industrialization, agricultural transformation, and technological advancement.
The Bahir Dar session provided a platform for policymakers from the Horn of Africa to lay out key priorities and entertained the views of special envoys for the Horn of Africa on the regional situation. The foreign ministers’ dialogue tackled the current situation in the region and efforts being made, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to address existing and emerging challenges. Speaking at the panel, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera highlighted Ethiopia’s longstanding leadership and continued role in advancing regional security and cooperation. Similarly, Somalia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, outlined his country’s progress in rebuilding institutions and consolidating peace after years of conflict. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
IGAD’s representative to the African Union, Maureen Achieng, highlighted the organization’s growing role in fostering dialogue, conflict resolution, and regional integration. The discussion also addressed peace and stability challenges in the Horn of Africa, including maritime security, cross-border tensions and overlapping memberships in regional economic communities.
This session highlighted the importance of Africa-driven solutions, strengthening the capacity of regional and sub-regional organizations, and enhancing cooperation in the region’s peacebuilding process. In this spirit, a dialogue among special envoys to the Horn of Africa was held, bringing together the special envoys of the UN, EU, France, Germany, and Norway to the Horn of Africa. Reflecting on the situation in the region and their priorities, the special envoys urged regional organizations to play a leading role in addressing challenges in the Horn and beyond. They further stated their commitment to continue providing supportive roles for regional initiatives.
Following the opening session in Bahir Dar, other sessions of the forum were held in Addis Ababa on October 25–26. The Addis Ababa sessions took place at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, a venue described by Hannah Tetteh, UN Special Representative to the African Union (UNOAU), as an emblem of Africa’s enduring struggle for liberation and self-determination.
The Addis Ababa sessions began with a keynote address delivered by the African Union’s Chairperson, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. The Chairperson stressed the need to translate reflections into concrete actions, noting that discussions without implementation remain ineffective. Referring to Agenda 2063 as the continent’s guiding vision, he acknowledged the gap between aspirations and reality, citing the unfulfilled goal of “silencing the guns.”
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos stated that Africa’s true progress depends on economic empowerment rather than political leadership alone. He noted that the continent’s global aspirations would lack credibility without a strong economic foundation. He urged nations to promote local entrepreneurship and investment, citing Ethiopian Airlines as a model of successful indigenous enterprise. Building on this economic perspective, Lassina Zerbo, former Burkina Faso Prime Minister and Acting Chairperson of the Tana Forum Board, noted that Africa must shape its transformation or risk marginalization, which leads to vulnerability to external exploitation and the loss of a collective voice.
Following a series of high-level discussions among former leaders, policymakers, and experts, the forum made key policy recommendations on a wide range of issues. The forum concluded its deliberations with former Malawian President and Tana Forum Board Member Joyce Banda calling for inclusive leadership that empowers Africa’s youth and ensures the fair distribution of the continent’s wealth. She urged leaders to act as responsible stewards of Africa’s resources and to involve young people and women in decision-making to foster peace and development.
FM Gedion Timothewos Visits Russia to Strengthen Cooperation
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Gedion Timothewos paid an official visit to the Russian Federation from October 20 to 21 to strengthen the bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Gedion held talks with his counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation on a wide range of issues focused on regional, continental and global economic and security matters of mutual concern. The two Ministers discussed deepening the longstanding and strategic partnership between the two countries and agreed to work towards enhancing cooperation in various fields, including defense, security, trade, investment and technology transfer. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.
FM Gedion also conferred with Maksim Reshetnikov Gennadievich, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and Co-Chair of the Ethiopian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and Trade Commission. The two sides discussed the importance of further strengthening the multifaceted and longstanding cooperation between Ethiopia and the Russian Federation. Minister Maksim Reshetnikov assured Gedion that the Russian Federation fully supports Ethiopia’s accession to the WTO.
Foreign Minister Gedion indicated that currently, preparation is well underway to hold the 9th session of the Intergovernmental Russian-Ethiopian Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Trade Cooperation in Moscow early in November. He noted that the meeting will serve as an important platform to evaluate the progress over the past recent years and explore new avenues of cooperation.
Gedion also held a discussion with the leadership of ROSATOM, Russia’s State Atomic Agency to enhance cooperation and expedite practical works in the spheres of nuclear technology and energy development in Ethiopia.
The Foreign Minister and his delegation paid a field visit to the Skolkovo Innovation Center in Moscow. The Innovation Center bridges the gap between startups and the opportunities available in Russia and helps innovators and small and medium-sized companies to find their success in the Russian market by connecting them to the Russian companies, investors, partners and professionals.
Ethio-China (Shaanxi) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference Held in Addis Ababa
The Ethiopia-China (Shaanxi) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference was held on Tuesday (October 21) in Addis Ababa. The event brought together Ethiopian government representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, the Ministry of Water and Energy, and the Ethiopian Investment Commission, along with leaders from the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations and officials from China’s Shaanxi Province.
The conference aimed to strengthen economic cooperation between Ethiopia and China’s Shaanxi Province by promoting trade and investment. It was jointly organized by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ethiopian Investment Commission, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, and the Shaanxi Department of Commerce.
In his remarks, the State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Endalew Mekonnen, noted that trade relations between Ethiopia and China have been steadily growing. He highlighted that Ethiopia exports a wide range of agricultural, industrial, and mineral products to China, and that bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 6.37 billion in 2024, though the trade balance remains in China’s favor. He added that, following Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms, the country has opened up new trade and investment opportunities for private investors and encouraged companies from Shaanxi Province to expand their engagement.
The Executive Vice Governor of Shaanxi Province, Wang Xiao, reaffirmed the long-standing strategic partnership between Ethiopia and China. He described Shaanxi as the cradle of ancient Chinese civilization, a center of innovation, and a gateway for trade and investment. Emphasizing Ethiopia’s abundant natural resources, he expressed the interest of Shaanxi-based companies in deepening their trade and investment presence in the country.
The Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Zeleke Temesgen, highlighted the employment opportunities created by Chinese investors and reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting foreign ventures. He noted that Ethiopia currently hosts over 3,430 Chinese investment projects, representing more than USD 9.5 billion. The Commissioner also underscored Ethiopia’s strategic geographic position for market access and explained that, through its Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, the government has opened various sectors to broaden foreign investor participation, most recently allowing foreign involvement in export, import, wholesale, and retail trade. He expressed hope that the conference would serve as a platform to highlight new opportunities and invited Chinese companies to expand their investments in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, ICT, tourism, and mining.
During the opening session, Ambassador Dewano Kedir emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to further strengthening its long-standing partnership with China, while Chargé d’Affaires Sun Mingxi noted the continued expansion and success of Ethio-China cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and FOCAC. Representatives from the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Commerce, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, and the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce also delivered remarks on behalf of the private sector. The session concluded with a presentation on Ethiopian investment opportunities delivered by a representative of the Ethiopian Investment Commission.
The conference brought together more than 200 business participants from both sides, including leaders from 16 major companies in Shaanxi Province. It also marked a key milestone as Shaanxi Automobile Group (Shacman), a leading international vehicle manufacturer, and BEAKA General Trading Plc, a diversified Ethiopian company, signed the first batch of order contracts to import Shacman heavy-duty vehicles powered by liquefied and compressed natural gas into Ethiopia. Beyond this trading partnership, the two companies announced plans to jointly assemble heavy trucks in Ethiopia in the future.
Le Bugue and Dire Dawa Advance Cooperation Through Sister City Partnership
A high-level delegation from the city of Le Bugue, France, led by Mayor Léonidas Serge, conducted a working visit to Ethiopia beginning on Tuesday (October 14) at the invitation of the Dire Dawa City Administration.
The visit followed the sister city cooperation agreement signed between Dire Dawa and Le Bugue on July 13, 2025, in Le Bugue, France. The agreement established a three-year partnership aimed at promoting collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, culture, sustainable urban development, and people-to-people exchange.
Upon arrival at Dire Dawa International Airport, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Mayor Kedir Juhar and senior city officials. During their stay, the delegation held extensive discussions with Harbi Buh, Deputy Mayor of Dire Dawa, on the city’s development trajectory, administrative structure, and socioeconomic initiatives. The Deputy Mayor highlighted the long-standing cultural and educational ties between Ethiopia and France, recalling the establishment of the Alliance Ethio-Française School in Dire Dawa in 1908, which has played a key role in promoting the French language and culture.
Mayor Léonidas Serge expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation and reaffirmed Le Bugue’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Dire Dawa. He emphasized the importance of developing practical partnerships in tourism, cultural exchange, and education, underscoring Le Bugue’s readiness to facilitate broader engagement and introduce Dire Dawa’s heritage and potential to the French public.
The delegation visited major development sites, including the Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone, the Dry Port, the new Underground Subway Station, the Dire Dawa Subway Company in Dewelle, the Dire Dawa Convention Center, and the Dire Dawa International Stadium. They also toured local schools such as Notre-Dame, Mariam Sefer, and Legahare. The delegation further visited the Dire Dawa Corridor Development Project, where they were briefed on ongoing progress covering more than 6.2 kilometers of urban infrastructure and economic development works. As part of the city’s Green Initiative, the delegation, together with Deputy Mayor Harbi Buh, participated in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at Artist Ali Birra Park.
Following the conclusion of their engagements in Dire Dawa, the delegation proceeded to Addis Ababa, where they were officially received in collaboration with the Addis Ababa City Administration. During their stay in the capital, they visited key urban revitalization projects along riverbanks and corridors, as well as the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum and the National Palace Museum.
The visit represents an important step in translating diplomatic friendship into tangible, community-centered cooperation. It serves as a model of how local partnerships can complement and strengthen national relations, contributing to the broader goal of fostering shared prosperity, cultural harmony, and enduring friendship between Ethiopia and France.
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