48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union Held in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia Elevate Bilateral Ties During FM Gedion Official Visit to Riyadh
Ethiopia and Brazil Advance Economic Cooperation During High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received on Wednesday (February 11) at his office His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for discussions on bilateral cooperation, regional coordination, and multilateral issues.
Prime Minister Abiy inaugurated on Saturday (February 7) the Logo Hayk Resort, which combines the natural beauty of Wollo with modern and world-class infrastructure.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion addressed a meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on Tuesday (February 12), which reviewed developments in Somalia and Sudan. He noted that Al-Shabaab remains a serious threat to peace and security in Somalia, emphasized the sacrifices made to stabilize the region, and called for sustained efforts to preserve hard-won gains. On Sudan, he underscored the need for an inclusive political process engaging all stakeholders to achieve lasting peace.
Minister Gedion held discussions with the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu on Friday (February 13) The two sides discussed ways and means of further strengthening IGAD as a key regional bloc promoting peace, stability, and development in the Horn of Africa.
Foreign Minister Gedion hosted a breakfast meeting on Friday (February 13) with Foreign Ministers from the ratifying states of the Agreement on the Nile River Basin Cooperative framework (CFA). The Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization of Nile waters, as enshrined in the CFA.
Gedion held discussions with his counterparts from Cote D’Ivoire, Zambia, Lesotho, Morocco, Burundi, Rwanda, Tunisia, Kenya, South Sudan, Mauritius, Senegal on ways of strengthening bilateral relations, and discussed regional and continental issues of shared interest. He also met with discussed with State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, Okello Oryem, and French Minister Delegate for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Eleonore Caroit, on the margins of the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union for discussions of further enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos conducted an official working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on February 2–3, marking the latest in a series of high-level diplomatic engagements between the two nations. (See article)
Ethiopia’s delegation, led by Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Ethiopia’s BRICS Sherpa, participated in the First BRICS Sherpas’ Meeting 2026 in New Delhi, India, on Monday (February 9), engaging with Sherpas and country representatives on advancing BRICS priorities of resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.
Ambassador Hadera held bilateral exchanges on Wednesday (February 11) with India’s Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Jitin Prasada, Iran’s Sous-Sherpa Mehrdad Kiaei, Brazil’s BRICS Sherpa Mauricio Carvalho Lyrio, and Russia’s BRICS Sherpa Sergey Ryabkov to strengthen economic, trade, and multilateral cooperation under BRICS and bilateral frameworks.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye along with various other senior government officials warmly received African Heads of State and Governments as well Foreign Ministers who arrived in Addis to participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, including Malawi, Burundi, Nigeria, Zambia, Republic of Congo, Botswana, Cote D’Ivoire, Namibia, Benin, Mauritania, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Algeria, Mauritius, Djibouti, Republic of Guinea, Lesotho, Chad, Morocco, Gabon, Rwanda, the Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, Tunisia, Libya, Angola, South Sudan, Ghana, Seychelles, Senegal, Togo, Central African Republic, Tanzania, Liberia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Comoros, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Cameroon, Namibia, Somalia, Cabo Verde.
Addis Ababa hosted a high-level government and business delegation from the Federative Republic of Brazil from February 5–8, led by ApexBrasil President Senator Jorge Viana and comprising senior officials and more than 70 corporate leaders. The visit advanced the commitment made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the July 2025 BRICS Summit to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. (See article)
Djibouti
Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar participated in the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union.
Kenya
Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi arrived in Addis Ababa to participate in the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union.
Somalia
Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali attended the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union.
South Sudan
Foreign Minister Semaya Kumba of South Sudan took part in the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union.
Africa and African Union
The 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union took place in Addis Ababa, from February 11–12, bringing together foreign ministers and senior dignitaries under the AU’s 2026 theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” (See article)
48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union Held in Addis Ababa
The 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union took place in Addis Ababa, from February 11–12, bringing together foreign ministers and senior dignitaries under the AU’s 2026 theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmud Ali Yusuf, in his opening remarks, highlighted the critical importance of water and sanitation as a shared resource essential for climate resilience, and regional cooperation. He also outlined AU reforms, including the 2024–2028 Five-Year Plan and the implementation of the Single African Continental Air Transport (SACA) framework. Chairperson Yusuf acknowledged ongoing efforts in peace and security, support for countries experiencing unconstitutional changes of government, and the persistent challenges posed by conflict and terrorism in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. He further emphasized the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and AU specialized agencies in advancing development and integration, calling for innovative financing and broader engagement of the private sector, civil society, and philanthropic foundations to drive Africa’s development.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos addressed the session, noting that the evolving global geopolitical landscape is increasingly undermining multilateralism and international cooperation, citing intensifying competition over technology, critical minerals, and key logistics corridors. He stressed the need for African unity to confront these challenges and expressed hope that the Summit would reinforce collective solidarity and renewed commitment to continental objectives. Minister Gedion underscored African ownership in advancing solutions, advocating for a unified position to promote fairness in the global financial system, secure equitable representation in the United Nations Security Council, advance debt relief, and improve access to climate finance. He also noted Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32 as an opportunity for Africa to demonstrate global leadership on climate action, while emphasizing that approaches to the continent’s abundant water resources must consider the interests, circumstances, and aspirations of all stakeholders.
Ambassador Téte António, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola and Chair of the Executive Council, highlighted the session’s key agenda items, including reviewing reports from the 51st Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee, assessing Africa’s participation in the G20, conducting elections and appointments to AU organs, monitoring progress on the SACA process, examining legal instruments, and reviewing specialized ministerial committee reports on financial contributions, African candidatures in the international system, and Agenda 2063 implementation. Ambassador António emphasized the importance of a new AU Scale of Assessment to strengthen financial resilience and ensure the Union’s sustainability, unity, and responsiveness, while calling on all Member States for active engagement, constructive collaboration, and flexibility in addressing sensitive issues.
UN Economic Commission for Africa Executive Secretary Claver Gatete also addressed the session, noting the need for Africa to adapt to a changing global economy marked by slower growth, tighter financing, and declining development assistance. He stressed the importance of domestic resource mobilization, investment in integrated infrastructure, including water and sanitation, and full implementation of the AfCFTA to drive industrialization, value addition, and continental self-reliance.
During the two-day session, delegates deliberated on key continental priorities, reviewed reports from the Permanent Representatives’ Committee, Africa’s engagement in the G20, elections and appointments to AU organs, progress on institutional reforms and the SACA process, draft legal instruments, financial contributions, and preparations for the forthcoming 39th AU Summit of Heads of State and Government.
Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia Elevate Bilateral Ties During FM Gedion Official Visit to Riyadh
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos conducted an official working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on February 2–3, marking the latest in a series of high-level diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
During the visit, Minister Gedion held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, in Riyadh. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing pressing regional issues. Both Ministers affirmed their commitment to elevating the longstanding relationship, founded upon deep historical ties and mutual respect, to a strategic level for the benefit of their respective peoples.
The two parties conducted an extensive exchange of views on regional developments amid ongoing conflicts in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They underscored the imperative of resolving regional crises through dialogue.
Recognizing substantial untapped potential, the ministers agreed to strengthen economic cooperation, particularly in trade and investment. They identified the private sector as a critical driver of bilateral economic relations and resolved to facilitate greater engagement between the business communities of both countries. Specific attention was accorded to leveraging linkages with Africa, reflecting Ethiopia’s position as a gateway to the continent.
In a subsequent meeting with the Deputy Minister of Economy and Planning of Saudi Arabia, the Ethiopian delegation advanced discussions on operationalizing joint investment mechanisms and enhancing trade and investment coordination.
On the margins of the official programme, Minister Gedion visited the Ethiopian International School in Riyadh. Established in 1994 by members of the Ethiopian community in the Al Murabba district, the institution serves Ethiopian and international students from kindergarten through grade 12, while preserving Ethiopian cultural heritage. The Minister conferred with the school leadership on strengthening ties with the diaspora community.
A bilateral business forum was convened in Riyadh on Wednesday (February 4), bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from both countries to explore commercial opportunities and joint ventures.
Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia share relations spanning more than a millennium, tracing to the first Hijra when followers of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) sought refuge in the Kingdom of Axum. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1948. Today, Saudi Arabia stands as one of Ethiopia’s premier trading partners and the leading destination for Ethiopian exports in the 2024/2025 fiscal year. Over 200 Saudi companies currently operate in Ethiopia, while a large number of Ethiopians reside in the Kingdom, contributing to diverse socioeconomic activities .
The recent exchange of visits including Minister Gedion’s mission to Riyadh followed by Prince Faisal’s subsequent visit to Addis Ababa on February 11, 2026 demonstrates the accelerated momentum in bilateral relations.
Ethiopia and Brazil Advance Economic Cooperation During High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa hosted a high-level government and business delegation from the Federative Republic of Brazil from February 5–8, led by ApexBrasil President Senator Jorge Viana and comprising senior officials and more than 70 corporate leaders. The visit advanced the commitment made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the July 2025 BRICS Summit to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
In his keynote address, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe, framed the moment’s significance “As we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, this forum is a launchpad for our shared future. It is time to finalize deals, break ground on joint ventures, and build the legacy for the next 75 years.”
Echoing this vision, Ambassador Meles Alem, Director-General for European and American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, drew powerful symbolic connections. He highlighted the natural synergy between Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, and Brazil, its largest global producer, as a metaphor for broader knowledge and technology exchange and underscored strategic complementarities in environmental science and agro-industrial development.
The high-level dialogue yielded immediate, substantive outcomes that provide a structured path for collaboration. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), led by Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen, and ApexBrasil to establish a framework for cooperation in investment and trade promotion. The agreement provides for joint promotional activities, knowledge exchange, and the facilitation of business linkages through a dedicated Joint Working Group, with the aim of improving access to the Ethiopian market for Brazilian businesses.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock also signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in the agricultural sector. The collaboration will initially focus on livestock development and the exchange of agricultural technology and expertise.
In addition, Kerchanshe Group signed a technical cooperation agreement with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) to support coffee development and improve quality through technical collaboration.
Following that the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) and EMBRAPA have officially inaugurated their new African regional office in Addis Ababa. The new office represents a powerful signal of Brazil’s renewed engagement with Ethiopia and is set to deepen bilateral collaboration, with a strong focus on agriculture.
Welcoming the initiative, Meles Mekonnen, State Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that Ethiopia and Brazil share the conviction that agriculture is the backbone of national development. He added that for both nations, agriculture is not merely an economic sector but a strategic pillar for food and nutrition security, job creation, poverty reduction, climate resilience, and industrialization.
Ambassador Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos, Ambassador of Brazil to Ethiopia, emphasized that this hub will coordinate technical cooperation projects across the continent in agriculture, health, and education.
The President of ApexBrasil, Senator Jorge Viana, announced plans to further expand this institutional footprint: “We are working to soon establish four ApexBrasil reference centers in Africa, following a strategy of re-engagement, as advocated by President Lula. This will allow for more efficient, personalized, and closer engagement with the business community.”
The delegation’s agenda included bilateral meetings and field visits. It held high-level talks with senior Ethiopian officials focused on ongoing economic reforms and specific investment opportunities. The program also featured visits to the Bole Lemi and Kilinto Industrial Parks, where participants were introduced to Ethiopia’s manufacturing infrastructure. In addition, the delegation visited a coffee farm near Hawassa to explore areas of cooperation within the coffee value chain.
The partnership was consistently viewed through a wider strategic lens. The collaborative spirit of BRICS and the unprecedented opportunity of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were highlighted as key accelerators.
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