Indian Prime Minister Visits Ethiopia
High-Level Event Marks Official Launch of Ethiopian Nuclear Power Programme
Ethiopia inscribed ‘Gifaataa’ in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Ethiopia Elected Vice President of UN Human Rights Council
Ethiopia Takes Part at the BRICS Fourth Sherpas/Sous-Sherpas Meeting in Brasilia
𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚 –𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Ethiopia from December 16–17, marking his first visit to Ethiopia and a significant milestone in the deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. (See article)
Gifaataa, the New Year Festival of the Wolaita people of Ethiopia, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), held in New Delhi from December 8 to 12, inscribed the New Year Festivities as a heritage of humanity. (See article)
A high-level event was held in Addis Ababa on Monday (December 8) to officially launch the Ethiopian Nuclear Power Programme and operationalize the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission. The event brought together senior government officials and international partners, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos, Nuclear Energy Commission Commissioner Sandokan Debebe, and Mikhail Chudakov, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), alongside other government officials and stakeholders. (See article)
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera received the French Ambassador to Ethiopia, Alexis Lamek, on Thursday (December 18). During the meeting, both sides agreed to cooperate in areas of bilateral and multilateral mutual interest.
Ambassador Hadera met with Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, at his office on Tuesday (December 16). Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in areas including education, transport, agriculture, health, science and technology, artificial intelligence, and other sectors of mutual interest.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye held a meeting on Monday (December 15) with the National Organizing Committee for the 39th African Union Summit and the Africa–Italy Summit, scheduled for mid-February, to ensure enhanced hospitality and reliable security arrangements.
On the same day, Ambassador Berhanu met with a high-level Pakistani business delegation visiting Ethiopia to explore potential investment opportunities. During the meeting, the State Minister reaffirmed the Government of Ethiopia’s strong commitment to supporting all investment activities.
Ethiopia and Russia signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to advance cooperation on Ethiopia’s first nuclear power plant on Wednesday (December 17). The agreement was signed in Moscow by Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission Commissioner Sandokan Debebe and ROSATOM Energy Projects Director General Andrey Rozhdestvin.
Ethiopia has been elected, by consensus, as Vice-President and Bureau Member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) during the Council’s Organizational Meeting held in early December in Geneva, Switzerland. (See article)
An Ethiopian delegation participated in the fourth BRICS Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas Meeting, hosted in Brasília on December 11–12. Brazil presented a report on the year-long BRICS activities across all pillars of cooperation, including economy and development, people-to-people exchanges, and peace and security. The meeting also heard briefings from the coordinators of the BRICS Civil Society and Business Council. (See article)
A delegation from the Korea Specialty Contractors Association (KOSCA) held a business forum on Friday (December 12) at Skylight Hotel, bringing together Ethiopian officials and Korean business leaders to explore new areas of cooperation. (See article)
An Ethiopian delegation led by Samuel Urqato, Chief Commissioner of the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, participated in the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the States Parties (COSP11) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which took place in Doha, Qatar, from December 15 to 19.
Ethiopia, representing East African Member States of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), participated in the 4th Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security in Africa, held in Bujumbura from December 11 to 13 under the theme “Beyond Rhetoric: Youth Empowerment and Engagement in Sustainable Development, Agri-food Systems, and Mineral Value Chains.”
Upon the invitation of the Office of the Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and ECA, African women diplomats gathered on Saturday (December 13) for a cultural exchange. The gathering offered a moment of reflection, goodwill, and solidarity among African women in diplomacy, ahead of the upcoming holiday seasons of Gena (Ethiopian Christmas) and the 2026 New Year.
Eritrea
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in a statement released on Friday (December 12), said it had taken note of the decision by the Government of the State of Eritrea to withdraw from the organization. IGAD further regretted the decision, noting that the organization has consistently remained open to dialogue through its established consultative mechanisms.
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh received an Ethiopian delegation led by Vice President of the Prosperity Party Adem Farah on Thursday (December 18) to discuss strengthening the partnership and advancing shared interests, during a visit in which the delegation, comprising Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime and senior officials, including State Minister Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, also held talks with Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar and visited the Doraleh Multi-Purpose Port.
Somalia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on a working visit on Friday (December 19), with discussions focusing on advancing shared priorities and reaffirming mutual commitment to deeper bilateral partnership, regional stability, and development.
President Mohamud received the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, on Tuesday (December 16). The meeting discussed deepening cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including development, trade, and institutional capacity-building.
Africa and the African Union
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held discussions at the African Union Headquarters on Wednesday (December 17) with African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and his team on ways Ethiopia and the AU can work in close collaboration to deliver an African COP which will be held in Ethiopia in 2027.
Indian Prime Minister Visits Ethiopia
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Ethiopia from December 16–17, marking his first visit to Ethiopia and a significant milestone in the deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, followed a sideline meeting at the recent G20 Summit. It served to elevate the longstanding historical partnership to a strategic one, underscoring a shared commitment to enhanced cooperation across mutual priorities.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit commenced with a tour of the Ethiopian Science Museum, highlighting the country’s future in science and technology. This was followed by a visit to Friendship Park, a popular green space renowned for its lush landscapes, night shows, and panoramic city views.
An official ceremony was later held at the National Palace, featuring bilateral talks between the two Prime Ministers. A delegation-level meeting followed, culminating in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements are aimed at strengthening cooperation in key sectors and included an Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters to facilitate bilateral trade, an MoU on the establishment of a data center within Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an MoU on UN peacekeeping cooperation, enhancing the global roles of both nations.
Further engagements took place at the Addis International Convention Center. Prime Minister Abiy described Prime Minister Modi’s visit as a transformative event that transcends conventional diplomacy, formally shifting the relationship from a historical to a strategic partnership. He characterized the visit as a carefully planned and bold initiative uniting two nations committed to achieving change through cooperation. Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that deep historical bonds form a crucial foundation for the future, where collaborative strength unlocks new opportunities. He reiterated that the Ethiopia–India partnership, built on mutual respect and support for inclusive development, holds great potential as a model for South–South cooperation.
In his address at the Convention Center, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for being conferred the ‘Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia,’ Ethiopia’s highest state award. He stated that the future demands cooperation based on clear vision and trust, and that this visit lays a firm foundation for such collaboration with Ethiopia. He affirmed that the partnership would help navigate evolving global changes and create new opportunities.
On Wednesday (December 17), the visit continued 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 Modi praised the museum as a powerful testament to African resilience and independence and laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Memorial.
PM Modi concluded his programme in Ethiopia by addressing a joint session of the House of People’s Representatives and House of Federation. In his speech, Prime Minister Modi expressed his honor in addressing a body that played a major role in Africa’s decolonization process. He highlighted the deep people-to-people, historical, and cultural ties between Ethiopia and India and emphasized that comprehensive cooperation would continue to be strengthened. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia, particularly in technology transfer, cybersecurity, capacity building, agriculture, education, and health. The Prime Minister also noted the importance of bilateral cooperation in regional peace and security, pledging to enhance collaborative efforts in this field. He concluded by thanking Prime Minister Abiy for the warm welcome and participated in a tree-planting ceremony alongside him.
Ethiopia and India share a close relationship spanning over two millennia. Historical evidence indicates that, since the 19th century, many Indians have made Ethiopia their home. Between the First and Second World Wars, a considerable number of Indian entrepreneurs were engaged in business across various Ethiopian cities. Ethiopia was also among the first African nations to open an embassy in India following India’s independence in 1947.
Shared affinities in culture, religion, and geography, alongside complementary geopolitical perspectives, have long facilitated political and foreign policy cooperation between Ethiopia and India. These enduring diplomatic ties are poised to elevate Africa–India relations to new heights.
India has consistently demonstrated its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Ethiopia, resulting in a mutually beneficial partnership. The two countries maintain robust relations in economic development, trade, and foreign direct investment, among other fields.
The visit reaffirmed Ethiopia’s key role in a multipolar world order. India’s recognition of Ethiopia as a “trusted and long-term partner” stands as a significant achievement for Ethiopia, bolstering its foreign investment prospects and diplomatic credibility.
High-Level Event Marks Official Launch of Ethiopian Nuclear Power Programme
A high-level event was held in Addis Ababa on Monday (December 8) to officially launch the Ethiopian Nuclear Power Programme and operationalize the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission. The event brought together senior government officials and international partners, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos, Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission Commissioner Sandokan Debebe, and Mikhail Chudakov, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), alongside other government officials and stakeholders.
During the launch programme, Minister Gedion said the initiative is driven by rapidly growing electricity demand, the need for reliable baseload energy, and Ethiopia’s long-term industrial ambitions. He emphasized that nuclear power will play a central role in ensuring energy security, supporting urbanization, and powering emerging sectors such as data centers and advanced manufacturing.
Speaking at the launch, Commissioner Sandokan Debebe noted that the government has made a strategic decision to adopt nuclear power as a cornerstone of its long-term national energy strategy, not merely as an additional technology but as a foundational pillar for economic transformation and energy security. He further underscored that Ethiopia is fully committed to the exclusive peaceful use of nuclear technology, anchored in the establishment of the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission, which operates under a clear legal framework and robust institutional governance.
Ethiopia’s nuclear vision, he said, extends beyond electricity generation to include the peaceful application of nuclear science in healthcare, agriculture, industry, and research, delivering tangible socio-economic benefits. He added that Ethiopia is aligning its national framework with IAEA standards and adhering strictly to all relevant international treaties and obligations, reaffirming the country’s commitment to a safe, secure, and lawful nuclear programme in support of a modern and industrialized nation.
In a webinar address, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized that the establishment of the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission is critical for the development and regulation of nuclear power in line with international safety and security standards. He highlighted nuclear energy’s strong potential as a reliable, low-carbon electricity source capable of accelerating Ethiopia’s socio-economic transformation while also stimulating industrial growth and creating high-skilled employment opportunities.
Grossi further stated that the IAEA remains fully committed to supporting Ethiopia through advisory services and capacity-building assistance at every stage of its nuclear development programme. He noted that cooperation is already underway under the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme to strengthen human resources, institutional capacity, and preparedness for future infrastructure milestones.
The Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission, established in October 2025, is mandated to oversee the peaceful use of nuclear technology in the country. Its responsibilities include the development of nuclear power for electricity generation, as well as supporting industrial growth, food security, healthcare delivery, and scientific research. One of the Commission’s key functions is to guide the application of nuclear technology across critical sectors, with a strong emphasis on safety, sustainability, and responsible use in line with international standards.
It can be recalled that the planned construction of a mega nuclear power plant, part of the USD 30 billion mega development initiatives recently announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, is aimed at strengthening Ethiopia’s energy security and supporting long-term industrial transformation.
Ethiopia inscribed ‘Gifaataa’ in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Gifaataa, the New Year Festival of the Wolaita people of Ethiopia, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), held in New Delhi from December 8 to 12, inscribed the New Year Festivities as a heritage of humanity.
Gifaataa is celebrated on the first Sunday (Shuha-Wogga) between September 18 and October 1. Gifaataa consists of community gatherings, festivities, community service and values such as cleanliness, peace and reconciliation.
A country of prehistoric heritages and ancient traditions and deep-rooted cultural practices, Gifaataa becomes Ethiopia’s 7th intangible heritage inscription along with Shuwalid Festival, Xeer Ciise, Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany), Gada System, Fichee Chambalaalla and Meskel. Since registering the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela in 1978, Ethiopia has registered eleven natural and cultural properties in the UNESCO list of World Heritage, the latest being the Bale Mountains National Park and Gedeo Cultural Landscape, inscribed in 2023.
Gifaataa’s inscription as a world heritage site is yet another testimony to Ethiopia’s ancient civilization and its invaluable heritage in celebrating diversity. The inscription is a global recognition proving the outstanding and distinguished value of Gifaataa and its role in fostering peace, development and equal participation.
Ethiopia contributes to the work of UNESCO through its regular membership on the UNESCO Executive Board, including for the 2025-2029 term, and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee, where it is a member for the term of 2022-2026 and a vice president for the 20th session in New Delhi. This role is critical to advancing the working methods and adjusting the longstanding imbalance in the work of the global body that led to the minimum number of heritages inscribed from the African continent.
The inscription augments the national efforts for conservation, preservation, and promotion of the heritage to the global community.
Ethiopia Elected Vice President of UN Human Rights Council
Ethiopia has been elected, by consensus, as Vice-President and Bureau Member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) during the Council’s Organizational Meeting held in early December in Geneva, Switzerland.
Ethiopia will serve in this leadership role for one year beginning January 1, 2026, on behalf of the African Group. Following Ethiopia’s election, Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew, Permanent Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United Nations in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, will be serving as Vice-President and Bureau Member of the HRC.
The Human Rights Council bureau consists of five officers, a President and four Vice-Presidents, each representing one of the five UN regional groups i.e. African States, Asia-Pacific States, Eastern European States, Western European and Other States and Latin American and Caribbean States.
The Bureau is mainly responsible for procedural and organizational matters, including overseeing the Council meetings and handling correspondence with states. Bureau members play a central role in guiding the Council’s work, facilitating its meetings, fostering constructive dialogue among Member States, and ensuring the smooth and effective management of the Council’s agenda throughout the year. The four Vice-Presidents of the bureau take turns chairing meetings in support of the President and advice on candidates for investigative fact-finding missions. They also receive and respond to correspondence from Permanent Missions.
Ethiopia’s election reflects its constructive engagement within the United Nations system and its commitment to collaborative, principled approaches to global human rights issues. Ethiopia looks forward to working closely with all regional groups, Member States, and partners to advance the Council’s mandate and strengthen international cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights. It is to be recalled that Ethiopia had served as Vice President and Bureau member of the Council in 2016 representing the African Group of States.
Ethiopia Takes Part at the BRICS Fourth Sherpas/Sous-Sherpas Meeting in Brasilia
An Ethiopian delegation participated in the fourth BRICS Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas Meeting, hosted in Brasília on December 11–12. Brazil presented a report on the year-long BRICS activities across all pillars of cooperation, including economy and development, people-to-people exchanges, and peace and security. The meeting also heard briefings from the coordinators of the BRICS Civil Society and Business Council.
Brazil’s presidency in 2025 marked significant milestones in enhanced BRICS cooperation on matters of global importance, particularly in the areas of economy and development, climate change, and artificial intelligence. A total of 309 meetings were held at ministerial and technical levels, resulting in the adoption of 69 declarations and frameworks of cooperation. The BRICS Summit Declaration, along with leaders’ declarations on climate finance, artificial intelligence, and global health, focused on socially determined diseases, incorporated tangible areas of cooperation and deliverables.
In 2025, BRICS witnessed another round of expansion with the inclusion of partner countries, namely Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. BRICS has also remained actively engaged on issues of global importance through its meetings and pronouncements, including developments in the Middle East and global trade.
During the interactive dialogues following the presentation of the annual reports, the Ethiopian delegation outlined priority areas drawn from agreed frameworks of cooperation to advance the objectives of BRICS in fostering intra-BRICS economic relations and strengthening a UN-centered multilateral system.
India presented its priority areas and the schedule of meetings for its chairship in 2025.
𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚 –𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚
A delegation from the Korea Specialty Contractors Association (KOSCA) held a business forum on Friday (December 12) at Skylight Hotel, bringing together Ethiopian officials and Korean business leaders to explore new areas of cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Dagato Kumbe, emphasized Korea’s remarkable journey to becoming a developed nation as a model for Africa. He highlighted Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reform agenda and strategic access to the wider African market, declaring, “Ethiopia is open for business and ready for partnership.”
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ethiopia, Jung Kung, praised Addis Ababa as a symbol of Ethiopia’s dynamism and economic growth. He recalled the historic sacrifice of Ethiopian troops during the Korean War, underscoring that Ethiopia and Korea are not only friends but also partners in development. He pointed to past KOICA projects and stressed that the arrival of the KOSCA delegation reflects Korea’s readiness to deepen business ties with Ethiopia.
Ambassador Dawano Kedir, Director General for Middle East, Asia and Pacific Countries Affairs, on his part, noted that Ethiopia and Korea’s 70-year relationship must evolve into stronger business and investment opportunities. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting Korean companies in Ethiopia.
Vice President of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Association, Aynalem Abayneh, pledged to serve as a bridge between government and business communities, ensuring cooperation built on mutual benefit.
Sang Jin Kim, Ethiopia’s Honorary Consul General to Busan–Gyeongnam, emphasized the importance of technology transfer and proposed the establishment of a Korean-exclusive industrial park in Ethiopia. He paid tribute to Ethiopian soldiers who fought in the Korean War, calling the partnership “cemented by blood.”
Hak Soo Yoon, President of KOSCA, acknowledged Ethiopia’s significant contribution during the Korean War and praised the bravery of Ethiopian soldiers. He said the forum provides a platform for potential knowledge transfer, training, and joint cooperation in infrastructure, human development, and technology.
The forum also featured presentations from the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure Development, and concluded with an engaging Q&A session that allowed participants to exchange ideas and explore practical steps for future collaboration.
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