Ethiopian Delegation Led by President Taye Participates in 7th AU–EU Summit
Ethiopia Stresses Practical and Moral Imperative for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth at G20 Summit
Ethiopia and Singapore Forge Partnership for Shared Progress
Malaysian Prime Minister Carries out Three-Day Official Visit to Ethiopia
The First Africa-Bangladesh Trade Forum Held in Addis Ababa
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
The 20th edition of the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit took place in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 22 and 23, with Heads of State and Government and international organizations in attendance. The Summit saw high-level deliberations on topics of job creation, economic growth, disaster risk management, trade, financing for development, and artificial intelligence, among others. At the invitation of the South African President and G20 President for 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had a successful participation in the Summit, leading a high-level delegation. (See article)
Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, held an official visit to Ethiopia from November 23-24, the first Singaporean Prime Ministerial visit in 60 years. The historic visit was a pivotal moment in the evolving partnership between the two countries and reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ethiopia and the wider African continent. (See article)
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, paid a three-day official visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia from November 18–20, marking an important milestone in the advancement of diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. The visit followed last year’s official trip by Prime Minister Abiy to Malaysia, a historic engagement that laid a solid foundation for deeper cooperation and an expanding partnership. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy met with General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, on Tuesday (November 25) for a constructive exchange on regional security and opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
The Office of the Prime Minister announced on Wednesday (November 26) the appointment of Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos as President-Designate of COP32, following Ethiopia’s selection as host of the 32nd Conference of the Parties under the UNFCCC. As President-Designate, he will lead the preparatory process for COP32 in coordination with national authorities, UNFCCC bodies, and international partners.
The following day, the National Steering Committee presiding FM Gedion convened in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy to align on key preparatory tasks. The meeting reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring an inclusive and well-coordinated process as Ethiopia begins its responsibilities toward organizing COP32.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its deepest condolences on the tragic residential building fire in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China in a press statement released on Thursday (November 27). The Ministry extended its profound sympathy to the families of the victims and to all those affected by this tragic incident. Ethiopia stands in solidarity with the people and Government of the People’s Republic of China during this difficult period of mourning.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera met on Thursday (November 27) with Christine Pirenne, the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ethiopia, where they discussed key bilateral and regional issues.
Ambassador Hadera Abera met on Tuesday (November 25) with Sim Tong Guk, Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to Ethiopia, to discuss bilateral relations and explore ways to enhance cooperation and engagement.
On the same day, Ambassador Hadera delivered opening remarks at the session on “Policy and Regulatory Alignment for SME Competitiveness: Ethiopia’s Path Towards AfCFTA Implementation,” co-organized by IFA Ethiopia and UNDP at the Skylight Hotel.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye met on Tuesday (November 25) with Marie-Hélène Calvin, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Haiti, and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s unwavering support for the establishment of Haiti’s new embassy in Addis Ababa.
Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered a press briefing on Thursday (November 27), highlighting Ethiopia’s recent diplomatic engagements, noting the country’s selection to host COP32 in 2027 as recognition of its climate leadership, reaffirming Ethiopia’s advances through the Green Legacy Initiative and renewable-energy expansion, recalling the appointment of Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos as COP32 President, emphasizing outcomes of the G20 Summit hosted in Ethiopia and recent high-level visits from Malaysia and Singapore, and encouraging media participation in the 3rd IGAD Media Awards taking place in Addis Ababa this weekend.
The inaugural Africa-Bangladesh Trade Forum was held on Thursday (November 13) in Addis Ababa under the theme “Africa’s Gateway to Trade and Development.” The event was organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with the Africa Bangladesh Business Forum and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. (See article)
During the General Debate of the 30th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention held in the Hague, Ambassador Eshete Tilahun, Ethiopian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, delivered a statement on Tuesday (November 25), highlighting national implementation efforts within the country framework and reaffirming Ethiopia’s strong commitment to supporting the work of the organization.
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh participated in the 7th AU–EU Summit held on November 24–25 in Luanda, Angola.
Kenya
President William Ruto attended the two-day 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola, on Monday (November 24).
Africa and the African Union
The 7th African Union–European Union Summit took place in Luanda, Angola, on November 24–25 under the theme “Promoting Peace and Prosperity through Effective Multilateralism.” The Summit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the African Union and the European Union, as well as the 50th anniversary of Angola’s Independence Day. This Summit builds upon the deliberations of the 6th AU–EU Summit held in Brussels in 2022, as well as the outcomes of the Third AU–EU Ministerial Committee Meeting convened in Brussels in May 2025. A delegation led by President Taye Atske Selassie participated in the event. (See article)
Ethiopia Stresses Practical and Moral Imperative for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth at G20 Summit
The 20th edition of the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit took place in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 22 and 23, with Heads of State and Government and international organizations in attendance. The Summit saw high-level deliberations on topics of job creation, economic growth, disaster risk management, trade, financing for development, and artificial intelligence, among others. At the invitation of the South African President and G20 President for 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali had a successful participation in the Summit leading a high-level delegation.
The Summit endorsed the Leaders’ Declaration covering a range of issues including disaster resilience and response, debt sustainability, just energy transitions, critical minerals, inclusive economic growth, industrialization, employment and reduced inequality, food security, artificial intelligence, and fostering equitable global governance.
In his Summit address, Prime Minister Abiy elaborated on Ethiopia’s efforts to achieve inclusive growth through innovation and entrepreneurship, industrial park development, and renewable energy generation. He underscored the mounting challenges that demand investing in renewable energy, agriculture development and digital infrastructure. Assuring Ethiopia’s readiness to contribute to the shared global economic journey, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the three priorities of sustainable debt relief, climate, energy and digital transformation.
The Prime Minister also participated in the high-level G20 Compact with Africa, which saw the participation of leaders of African countries, G20 members, and international organizations. In his address, he underscored the importance of policy reforms to strengthen macroeconomic stability and restore confidence. He elaborated on the reform measures in Ethiopia in the monetary and financial systems. He also explained the successes in the fields of renewable energy investments and capital markets. The The premier recommended that the Compact should give prior focus to accelerating transformation at scale through genuine partnership, expanded guarantees, blended finance, and timely and predictable debt relief.
The G20 Compact with Africa supports countries to enhance their investment climate and economic growth through policy reforms. Ethiopia joined the Compact in June 2017. Angola and Zambia are admitted into the Compact at the high-level event.
On the sidelines of the Summit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held bilateral meetings with leaders of 16 countries and six regional and international organizations.
Ethiopian Delegation Led by President Taye Participates in 7th AU–EU Summit
The 7th African Union–European Union Summit took place in Luanda, Angola, on November 24–25 under the theme “Promoting Peace and Prosperity through Effective Multilateralism.” The Summit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the African Union and the European Union, as well as the 50th anniversary of Angola’s Independence Day. This Summit builds upon the deliberations of the 6th AU–EU Summit held in Brussels in 2022, as well as the outcomes of the Third AU–EU Ministerial Committee Meeting convened in Brussels in May 2025. A delegation led by President Taye Atske Selassie participated in the event.
The Summit was attended by 14 Presidents, 15 Prime Ministers, 7 Vice Presidents and 2 Vice Prime Ministers, and 15 Ministers leading delegations, in addition to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, AU Commission Chairperson Mohamed Ali Youssouf, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom, various Ministers and high-level officials from both sides. The presence of Heads of State and Government, higher officials and high-ranking representatives significantly elevated the value and visibility of the Summit.
President Taye addressed the Summit under the agenda item “Peace, Security, and Multilateralism.” The President underlined the significant value of the longstanding support provided by the European Union in countering instability in the Horn of Africa. He emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation to ensure the effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 and stressed the importance of giving due attention to preventive diplomacy to mitigate conflicts before they escalate.
The President also underlined the need to preserve and consolidate the hard-won gains secured through immense sacrifices in fighting terrorism in the Horn of Africa, through AU-led peace support operations. With regard to the situation in Sudan, the President affirmed that ending the crisis requires prioritizing a “Sudanese-led peace process.” On Prosperity, he noted the importance of further consolidating cooperation under the Global Gateway framework, especially in the areas of investment, economic and social development. He further stressed the importance of expanding opportunities for youth skills development, noting that this is crucial for harnessing Africa’s demographic potential. The President also highlighted the necessity of strengthening Africa’s representation in multilateral forums, particularly within the UN Security Council, and underscored that reforming the global financial architecture is essential to secure sustainable, long-term benefits for both Africa and Europe.
Furthermore, President Taye held bilateral discussions on the margins of the Summit with leaders and senior officials from Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and other countries on a range of issues of mutual interest. The President also held a pull-aside meeting with other high-level officials.
The Senior Officials Meeting was held prior to the Summit on Sunday (November 23) to initiate preparations for the Summit. The draft Declaration was reviewed and amended through a series of discussions by AU Member States. A delegation led by Ambassador Hirut Zemene participated in the Senior Officials Meeting. The meeting adopted the Agenda and Program of Work of the leader’s meeting and considered both the Joint Monitoring Report of the 6th AU-EU Summit and the draft Declaration of the 7th AU-EU Summit.
The participation of many European and African leaders, as well as other high-level officials, has significantly attracted high attention to the Summit. The leaders consistently underscored the deep and direct interlinkages between Africa’s economic development, peace and security landscape, and Europe’s own stability and prosperity. The Summit reiterated the importance of continuing long-term joint frameworks, notably the Global Gateway and the Joint Vision 2030, with an emphasis on strengthening and accelerating their implementation.
The 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Africa–Europe partnership at a time of evolving global challenges. High-level participation from both continents underscored the shared commitment to strengthening cooperation on peace, security, economic development, migration and mobility, and multilateral engagement. The participation of the high-level Ethiopian delegation underscored Ethiopia’s firm commitment to strengthening the AU–EU partnership and advancing shared priorities for peace, security, and sustainable development.
Ethiopia and Singapore Forge Partnership for Shared Progress
Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, held an official visit to Ethiopia from November 23-24, the first Singaporean Prime Ministerial visit in 60 years. The historic visit was a pivotal moment in the evolving partnership between the two countries and reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ethiopia and the wider African continent.
Prime Minister Wong expressed his sincere gratitude for Ethiopia’s warm hospitality, noting that the historic visit “opens a new chapter of friendship and cooperation,” and emphasizing that bilateral relations will continue to grow in depth and substance.
A major highlight of the visit was Prime Minister Wong’s announcement that Singapore will open its first Embassy in Ethiopia in 2027. He underscored the strategic significance of Ethiopia as the seat of the African Union and the role of Addis Ababa as a central hub for African politics and diplomacy. The establishment of the Embassy, the third on African soil and the first in the region, will enhance Singapore’s engagement with Ethiopia and the wider region, creating new opportunities for partnerships.
The visit began with a tour of the Adwa Victory Museum, an emblem of Ethiopia’s historic triumph and a continental symbol of resistance and unity. Prime Minister Wong praised the museum as a powerful testament to African resilience and independence.
The Premier was later received at the National Palace, where an official welcome ceremony was held in the presence of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The two leaders then joined a tree-planting ceremony, resonating with Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiatives and symbolizing the growth and continuity of Ethiopia–Singapore relations, followed by a tour of the National Palace grounds.
The agenda continued with a four-eye meeting between the two Prime Ministers, which was followed by a delegation-level meeting that concluded with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening cooperation sectors, including skills development and carbon credit.
The discourses underscored both countries’ commitment to strengthen collaboration in skills development and sustainability, particularly in carbon credits, to advance shared climate goals. This pledge comes as Ethiopia prepares to host COP32 in 2027, with full support from Singapore.
Prime Minister Wong launched the Singapore–Africa Partnership Leading to Growth and Sustainability (SAPLINGS) program, creating a tangible platform for Singapore to support Africa’s development. The initiative fosters mutual learning, builds capacity, and strengthens ties with African partners, including Ethiopia.
The Singaporean delegation led by the Prime Minister also visited the Repi Wilmar Factory, a Singaporean company currently operating in Ethiopia. Prime Minister Wong commended the company’s contributions to Ethiopia’s industrial sector and expressed confidence that more Singaporean businesses will explore investment opportunities in the country. The plant, a joint venture with an Ethiopian partner, is a leading manufacturer of soap and detergent, producing well-known brands such as Largo, Ajax, and Rol, widely present in Ethiopian households.
Further engagements took place at the Addis International Convention Center, where both leaders participated in a fireside chat focusing on bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and future opportunities for partnership across economic, technological, and sustainable development fields. At this important segment of the visit program, Prime Ministers of Ethiopia and Singapore encountered each other in a discussion with the presence of several Ethiopian government officials, where Lawrence Wong shared his country’s invaluable experiences regarding nation-building, leadership styles, economic transformation, and geopolitical matters. Singapore is widely admired for its extraordinary journey, evolving from a small island nation with scarce natural resources to becoming one of the most advanced, innovative, and resilient economies globally. This remarkable transformation, fueled by visionary leadership, effective governance, and strategic foresight, serves as a compelling example for many developing countries, including Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Wong’s visit, highlighted by the announcement of a Singaporean Embassy in Addis Ababa, the launch of SAPLINGS, the signing of key MOUs, and substantive discussions, marks a transformative chapter in Ethiopia–Singapore cooperation. Both sides expressed optimism that these initiatives will strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, fostering long-term collaboration and building a bridge between Africa and Southeast Asia for the benefit of our peoples for years to come.
Malaysian Prime Minister Carries out Three-Day Official Visit to Ethiopia
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, paid a three-day official visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia from November 18–20, marking an important milestone in the advancement of diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. The visit followed last year’s official trip by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Malaysia, a historic engagement that laid a solid foundation for deeper cooperation and an expanding partnership.
Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Ethiopia, the first by a Malaysian Prime Minister, coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit sought to further strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, reflecting the growing partnership between Ethiopia and Malaysia.
The following day, accompanied by the Mayor of Addis Ababa, Adanech Abebie and the Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, Anwar Ibrahim toured the Adwa Victory Memorial, an enduring symbol of pride for all Black people and a testament to Ethiopia’s historic triumph at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The visit underscored Ethiopia’s rich history, heritage, developmental aspirations, and its strategic leadership on the African continent. It also offered an opportunity for both leaders to exchange views on innovation, digital transformation, and potential areas for cooperation in emerging technologies. Through this engagement, the Malaysian delegation gained a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s national resilience and the profound significance of the Victory of Adwa as a symbol of African independence.
Upon his arrival in Addis Ababa, the Malaysian Premier was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Abiy. Together, they visited the Ethiopian Science Museum and Friendship Park, which showcased Ethiopia’s technological progress, innovation drive, and commitment to community development and heritage preservation.
A major highlight of the visit was the Ethiopia–Malaysia High-Level Business Forum, attended by the Ethiopian President, the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, and the Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission. The forum brought together more than sixty prominent Malaysian business leaders and forty Ethiopian business representatives exploring opportunities in manufacturing, services, agriculture, logistics, and technology. Participants received comprehensive briefings from relevant Ethiopian authorities on investment, trade, and tourism prospects.
President Taye Atske Selassie, in his opening remarks, described the forum as the first of its kind and a platform heralding a new era of economic cooperation. He emphasized the historic significance of the event in advancing trade, investment, and mutual prosperity between the two nations.
In his remarks during the forum, the Malaysian Prime Minister underscored the importance of Ethiopia as Africa’s diplomatic hub and a gateway to regional markets. He praised Ethiopia’s role as host of the African Union and reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to expanding economic engagement, trade partnerships, and private-sector collaboration. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s economic progress and its considerable potential for further growth.
Speaking at the forum, Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe stated that Ethiopia envisions a partnership with Malaysia that goes beyond traditional trade dynamics. He outlined the prospect of a collaboration in which Malaysia’s capital and expertise in semiconductors, ICT, real estate, logistics, e-commerce, and global market access converge with Ethiopia’s natural and human potential, strategic location, and ambitious reform agenda. Ethiopian Investment Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a predictable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment, encouraging Malaysian enterprises to view Ethiopia not only as an investment destination but also as a strategic partner in building a sustainable and prosperous Africa.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and President Taye also held a discussion before the session began. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding Ethiopia–Malaysia relations by strengthening cooperation across traditional sectors while exploring high-value areas such as semiconductors, cybersecurity, and other strategic domains vital to shared growth and prosperity.
Later in the day, an official ceremony was held at Ethiopia’s National Palace. The program included bilateral talks between the two Prime Ministers and their respective delegations, during which the leaders reviewed the current state of relations and explored new avenues to further cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture and commodities, health, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges. Both sides welcomed the steady progress achieved since Prime Minister Abiy’s official visit to Malaysia in the previous year, which had created renewed momentum for expanding bilateral ties. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
During the ceremony, both leaders witnessed the signing of several important cooperation instruments: the Bilateral Air Services Agreement; a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of Tourism; an MoU in the field of Health; and a Collaboration Document between the Addis Ababa City Administration and the Kuala Lumpur City Council. Earlier in the visit, representatives of the two Foreign Ministries exchanged Notes on the establishment of a Bilateral Consultations Mechanism. These agreements are expected to broaden avenues of cooperation and advance shared development objectives.
Prior to the bilateral meetings, the two Prime Ministers planted palm oil seedlings brought from Malaysia signifying the deepening partnership between the two countries while also underscoring Ethiopia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its Green Legacy Initiative.
Beyond government-level engagements, the Malaysian Prime Minister also held an Afro-Malaysia Youth Forum with young people from Africa and Malaysia. Co-organized by the Ethiopian Youth Council, the Pan-African Youth Union, and the Malaysian Youth Council under the theme “Bridging Civilizations, Building Futures: Strengthening Afro-Malaysia Partnership for Shared Prosperity,” the forum served as a platform for dialogue on youth leadership, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration. During his public lecture, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed the importance of decolonizing the mind, fostering cultural and economic synergies, and strengthening partnerships across the Global South. He highlighted the historical injustices faced by developing nations and emphasized the need for cooperation that promotes shared prosperity. He also expressed Malaysia’s intention to host the second Afro-Malaysia Summit next year. Among the dignitaries present at the forum was Ergoge Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social Affairs.
Overall, the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit marked a significant step toward elevating Ethiopia–Malaysia relations to new heights. Through high-level dialogue, cultural exchanges, and robust business engagement, the two countries demonstrated a shared commitment to building a dynamic partnership that supports economic growth, regional stability, and mutual prosperity. The visit proved both meaningful and fruitful, laying the groundwork for renewed cooperation between the two brotherly nations. It also marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, first established in January 1965, and coincided with the reopening of the Malaysian Embassy in Addis Ababa in September 2025 after a 42-year closure.
The First Africa-Bangladesh Trade Forum Held in Addis Ababa
The inaugural Africa-Bangladesh Trade Forum was held on Thursday (November 13) in Addis Ababa under the theme “Africa’s Gateway to Trade and Development.” The event was organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with the Africa Bangladesh Business Forum and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.
The forum highlighted the untapped opportunities for trade between African nations and Bangladeshi businesses. It served as a platform to strengthen trade relations between Ethiopia and Bangladesh and to encourage Bangladeshi companies to invest in priority sectors such as pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. Approximately 38 leading Bangladeshi companies participated, with 12 showcasing their products in a sidelines exhibition. The event also underscored Ethiopia’s significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) potential and reinforced its position as a strategic gateway to the African continent.
In his opening remarks, State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Yidenekachew Worku outlined Ethiopia’s comprehensive macroeconomic reforms and the government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business. He invited Bangladeshi companies to capitalize on the rewarding investment and trade opportunities in Ethiopia, pointing to the country’s rapid economic growth and favorable investment climate. The State Minister noted that the current limited trade volume between the two countries indicates significant untapped potential.
Ambassador Dewano Keder, Director General for Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Countries’ Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Ethiopia is a gateway to Africa’s rapidly growing markets. “The Ethiopian government is fully committed to providing a conducive and attractive business and investment environment,” he said. Ambassador Dewano also highlighted the close historical ties between Ethiopia and Bangladesh, dating back to the 14th century, and the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975. He emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to further strengthening these ties and enhancing economic cooperation.
For his part, AVM Sitwat Nayeem, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Ethiopia, described the forum as “a critical platform to connect Africa and Bangladesh” and a vital step in enhancing trade relations and strengthening investment bonds.
The Bangladesh-Africa Trade Forum served as a key platform to improve trade, investment, and technology cooperation, effectively introducing Bangladeshi companies to the dynamic opportunities within Ethiopia.
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