Ethiopia and the Republic of Poland Hold Political Consultations
African Media Award Held in Addis Ababa
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos received China’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Hu Changchun, at his office on Wednesday (December 10). The two sides agreed to continue working closely on areas of mutual interest at the bilateral and multilateral levels.
Foreign Minister Gedion met with Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, at his office on Tuesday (December 9). The Ministers held discussions and exchanged views on regional and international peace and security matters of common concern.
Ethiopia commemorated the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the country’s role as a founding member with a cultural night at Kuriftu Africa Village on Saturday (December 6). Part of the “Ethiopia’s Month” celebrations, the event brought together ambassadors, government officials, representatives of international organizations, and invited partners, highlighting Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and longstanding partnership with the United Nations. (See article)
A high-level event was held on Monday (December 8) in Addis Ababa to officially launch the Ethiopian Nuclear Power Programme and operationalize the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission. The gathering brought together high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commissioner Sandokan Debebe, and Mikhail Chudakov, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), along with other senior government officials and stakeholders.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera held the 4th Ethiopia–Poland Bilateral Political Consultation with his counterpart Wojciech Zajączkowski, Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland, and his delegation on Thursday (December 11). Their discussions focused on deepening bilateral relations, particularly in economic cooperation; expanding avenues for business and investment, and exploring opportunities in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, agro-industry, and renewable energy, as well as capacity building, education, and technical and digital cooperation.
The African Media Awards was held on Thursday (December 4) at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, celebrating excellence in African journalism, digital media, broadcasting, and innovation. This year’s edition highlighted outstanding contributions across the continent and underscored the importance of amplifying African storytelling across all media platforms. (See article)
Ethiopia was elected Vice-President and Bureau Member of the UN Human Rights Council during the Council’s Organizational Meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday (December 8).
Gifaataa, the New Year festival of the Wolaita people, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday (December 10).
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced on Tuesday (December 9) that the 7th General Election will be conducted on June 1, 2026. NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu briefed the media on pre-election activities carried out for the upcoming election.
Ethiopia and the African Development Bank (AfDB) on Wednesday (December 10) signed a 184 million USD grant agreement to support the Ethiopia–Djibouti–South Sudan Transport Corridor Project—Phase II. The financing will enable the construction of a 67-kilometer expressway from Melka Jilo to Awash, a critical missing link along the Addis Ababa–Djibouti corridor.
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh attended the inauguration of his Ivorian counterpart, President Alassane Ouattara, on Monday (December 8).
President Guelleh received the Director General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Qu Dongyu, on Sunday (December 7) for discussions on areas of common interest.
Kenya
The Ethiopian delegation participated in the Ateker Leaders’ Council meeting in Lodwar, Kenya on Wednesday (December 10), joining communities from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda to adopt a founding legal instrument aimed at advancing cross-border peace, dispute resolution, economic cooperation, and cultural ties.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud chaired a high-level roundtable at the Doha Forum in Qatar on Sunday (December 7) on “State-Building in Somalia: Coordinated Strategies to Sustain Progress.”
Ethiopia participated in the Doha Forum, which was held in Qatar from December 6–7, under the theme Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress. An Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Zerihun Abebe, Director General for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, joined high-level representatives of states, international partners, and institutions in a roundtable session to discuss state-building efforts in Somalia. During the session, he outlined Ethiopia’s historical engagements in Somalia and the sacrifices made to support the state-building process, taking into account the challenges currently faced and possible future trajectories. (See article)
Africa and the African Union
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, opened the 6th Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Forum on Tuesday (December 9) with a call for resilience and accountability.
Chairperson Youssouf received Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, on Monday (December 8).
Ethiopia and United Nations Celebrate 80 Years of Partnership with a Cultural Night at Kuriftu Africa Village
Ethiopia commemorated the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the country’s role as a founding member with a cultural night at Kuriftu Africa Village on Saturday (December 6). Part of the “Ethiopia’s Month” celebrations, the event brought together ambassadors, government officials, representatives of international organizations, and invited partners, highlighting Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and longstanding partnership with the United Nations.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in complementing formal engagement. “Cultural diplomacy allows us to meet one another beyond conference halls,” he said, noting that people-to-people connections enrich traditional diplomacy. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to a multilateral system anchored in the UN Charter and highlighted Africa’s increasing engagement within the UN, including in climate diplomacy, peacekeeping, and development.
“Ethiopia is proud of its role as a founding member and remains committed to a multilateral system grounded in the UN Charter,” the Minister added. “Across the broader system, Africa’s contribution is increasingly visible, representing the largest regional group and advocating for a more representative global order.”
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Aboubacar Kampo reflected on Ethiopia’s long-standing partnership with the UN. “Eighty years ago, from the ashes of a devastating world war, the nations of the world came together to create a bold experiment in peace, the United Nations,” he said. He noted Ethiopia’s early contributions to peacekeeping, leadership in the fight against colonialism, and continued engagement in multilateralism and African unity.
Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla, Director General of Public Diplomacy Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thanked ambassadors, diplomats, and partners for attending. “Tonight, we celebrate Ethiopia’s colors, music, and traditions, but above all, we celebrate the shared values and humanity that unite us across borders,” he said, noting that the occasion reaffirmed the relevance of cultural diplomacy.
The evening featured traditional music and dance, cultural displays, and Ethiopian cuisine, providing a setting for interaction among attendees and reflecting Ethiopia’s long-standing engagement with the United Nations through both culture and diplomacy.
Ethiopia Takes Part in a Roundtable on State-Building Efforts in Somalia on the Margins of the 23rd Edition of the Doha Forum
Ethiopia participated in the Doha Forum, which was held in Qatar from December 6 to 7, under the theme “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress.” An Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Zerihun Abebe, Director General for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, joined high-level representatives of states, international partners, and institutions in a roundtable session to discuss state-building efforts in Somalia. During the session, he outlined Ethiopia’s historical engagements in Somalia and the sacrifices made to support the state-building process, taking into account the challenges currently faced and possible future trajectories.
Somalia’s state-building initiative requires a non-conventional approach. It is an effort to accomplish two tasks concurrently: combating a deadly terrorist threat on one hand and undertaking activities to rebuild destroyed institutions and provide basic public services on the other. Ethiopia has been supporting the people of Somalia for decades. Ethiopia’s efforts in combating terrorist groups are well documented. The national security of both Ethiopia and Somalia is inseparable. As Somalia is not an option for Ethiopia, nor is Ethiopia an option for Somalia, and considering the natural bond between the two peoples, Ethiopia has been playing an active role in supporting the state-building efforts in Somalia.
Ethiopia strongly believes that genuine partnership is required to complete the state-building process in Somalia. Hence, international partners that engage in Somalia must act diligently, genuinely, and with a unity of purpose. Such partnerships represent investments in regional and global peace and security. Any approach that negates a common purpose is likely to fail and could lead the region into uncharted waters. Actors with malicious interests in the region should consider carefully before taking any futile actions, as Somalia is neither a political theater nor a geopolitical chessboard for anyone. Those actors who wish to play a role in Somalia’s state-building process should also recognize the regional and global significance of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, rather than advancing inflated selfish interests. That is the manner in which one can genuinely assist the efforts of the people and government of Somalia in achieving successful state-building.
The primary actors responsible for peace, stability, and the building of institutions in Somalia are the political elites and various societal actors. In this context, Somalia should also be able to overcome its internal political challenges through dialogue. International partners can support efforts for dialogue, compromise, and a sense of common purpose to ensure a stable, democratic, and prosperous Somalia.
Ethiopia further calls on the international community to seriously consider the persistent security threats posed by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab and to honor their commitments to Somalia’s stability through funding the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Considering the level of threat posed by Al-Shabaab to Somalia, the region, and the world, efforts to dismantle the terrorist group should be intensified. Ethiopia, recognizing the inseparability of its own security from that of the region, will continue to play a leading role in combating terrorism.
Ethiopia and the Republic of Poland Hold Political Consultations
The 4th bilateral Political Consultation between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Poland was held in Addis Ababa on Thursday (December 11). The consultation took place at the State Ministers’ level between Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and his Polish counterpart, Ambassador Wojciech Zajączkowski.
The joint political consultation reviewed bilateral issues of common interest, including economic, social, and cultural cooperation, as well as multilateral, regional, and global matters that serve the shared interests of both countries.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hadera emphasized the importance of the political consultation platform in strengthening cooperation and facilitating the exchange of ideas on a mutually beneficial agenda. He noted that Ethiopia and the Republic of Poland share a rich history and a long-standing partnership that has developed over nearly a century. He added that bilateral relations continue to grow through the exchange of high-level visits.
Regarding Ethiopia’s economic trajectory, Ambassador Hadera highlighted that Ethiopia’s economy has expanded significantly in recent years, ranking among the world’s fastest-growing economies. With the adoption of homegrown economic reforms, Ethiopia is now moving toward its goal of achieving rapid, green, and sustainable economic growth.
He further noted that the latest macroeconomic reforms being implemented will help address investors’ primary concerns, including foreign-exchange shortages and regulatory gaps. With its robust macroeconomic potential, low crime rates, large pool of young, skilled, and trainable workers, and market access to four continents, Ethiopia offers substantial opportunities for Foreign Direct Investment. Investment in agriculture, in particular, will support a growing domestic food market while also opening pathways to regional and international markets.
The State Minister called on the Republic of Poland to expand cooperation in areas such as pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, education, agriculture, mining, agro-processing, and natural resource management, as well as in air services, ICT, and water resource management.
Deputy Foreign Minister Zajączkowski commended Ethiopia’s economic progress and expressed Poland’s interest in broadening cooperation, especially in trade and investment. He also underscored Poland’s economic experience over recent decades and highlighted the value of organizing business forums to enhance engagement between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to encourage Polish companies to invest in agro-industry, manufacturing, mining, and power generation, including hydropower, wind farms, geothermal energy, natural gas, and solar energy, through direct investment and Public-Private Partnerships.
The consultation concluded with a mutual agreement to review previous bilateral agreements and to initiate additional accords based on identified opportunities for strengthened economic cooperation between the two countries.
African Media Awards Held in Addis Ababa
The African Media Awards was held on Thursday (December 4) at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, celebrating excellence in African journalism, digital media, broadcasting, and innovation. This year’s edition highlighted outstanding contributions across the continent and underscored the importance of amplifying African storytelling across all media platforms.
Opening the awards, Government Communication Service Minister Enatalem Melese urged African media professionals to embrace their role as storytellers of the continent’s transformation. In her remarks, Minister Enatalem emphasized that African journalists carry a profound responsibility to present Africa’s stories with accuracy and authenticity. She called on media practitioners to shed light on the continent’s achievements, innovations, and opportunities, and to amplify narratives of resilience and progress that often go unheard globally.
Twenty-one nominees reached the finals, competing in various categories from news reporting to documentaries. Over 800 submissions were received from more than 40 African countries. With nine diverse award categories, ranging from outstanding news reporting and documentaries to Afro-centric entertainment, social media productions, and current affairs storytelling, the event reflects the dynamic evolution of Africa’s media ecosystem.
Designed to spotlight the continent’s most compelling voices, the awards aimed to elevate African stories and champion media excellence across both traditional outlets and rapidly expanding digital platforms. The ceremony underscored Africa’s growing authority in the global information landscape and reaffirmed the media’s crucial role in shaping political consciousness, driving social transformation, and strengthening cultural unity.
The ceremony recognized and honored the brilliance, resilience, and creativity that define Africa’s media landscape. More importantly, it amplified authentic African voices, providing a powerful platform for narratives that mirror the continent’s rich identity, vibrant cultures, and ongoing transformation.
By celebrating excellence across all forms of media, the African Media Awards seeks to propel African journalism onto the global stage, shaping the future of storytelling both within the continent and beyond. The awards celebrated outstanding achievements in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, and storytelling and brought together the leading representatives of Africa’s media landscape.
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