Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Visits Major Development Initiatives
Foreign Ministry Recognizes Contributors to Successful AU and Italy-Africa Summits
8th Round of Ethiopia Canada Political Consultation Held in Addis Ababa
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske-Selassie bid farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of Portugal, Luísa Fragoso on Thursday (February 26) where he reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with Portugal.
President Taye received Israel’s President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday (February 25), where the two leaders held discussions on the historical and cultural ties between Ethiopia and Israel. They emphasized that the Bete-Israel community serves as a living bridge between the two countries.
Earlier that day, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed President Herzog for productive discussions where they explored the longstanding relations between Ethiopia and Israel and considered ways to enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest. President Herzog arrived in Addis Ababa the same day for an official visit. Upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, he was welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos and State Minister Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.
The Premier also carried out an official visit to Azerbaijan on Thursday (February 26), accompanied by the First Lady and a high-level delegation. The visit elevated bilateral relations to a more active and meaningful level.
Prime Minister Abiy attended the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the Defense Force Special Operations Command on Sunday (February 22). The ceremony showcased the modern military capabilities developed by the Command, the readiness of its personnel, and their tactical proficiency.
Prime Minister Abiy conducted a series of visits to major development projects across the Wollega zones of the Oromia Region, with subsequent stops in Hawassa and the Bilate River area, spanning from February 18 to 22. The program encompassed agricultural clusters, irrigation, mining, industrial, agro-processing, tourism, and corridor projects aimed at advancing inclusive and sustainable national growth. (See article)
FM Gedion met on Monday (February 23) with Walid bin Abdul Karim Al-Khuraiji, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at his office. The two sides discussed the strong and longstanding bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia and exchanged views on regional peace and security issues of mutual interest.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a recognition and appreciation program honoring institutions and individuals who contributed to the successful organization of the 39th African Union Summit and the second Italy–Africa Summit on Thursday (February 19). The recognition ceremony brought together representatives of government offices, partner institutions, and volunteers who supported the organization of the high-level meetings held in Addis Ababa. (See article)
Ethiopia and Ireland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (February 18) to establish a framework for regular political consultations aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. (See article)
The 8th Round of Political Consultations between Ethiopia and Canada was held on Tuesday (February 17), bringing together senior officials from both countries to review bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation. (See article)
State Minister Ambassador Hadera Abera held talks with Guang Cong, United Nations Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, at his office on Tuesday (February 24). The two sides agreed to strengthen engagement through multilateral cooperation to address regional challenges and resolve current tensions through peaceful means.
The National Committee on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) held its second regular meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (February 26). During the session, the Committee composed of representatives from relevant institutions reviewed activities undertaken since its first meeting and outlined directions for the implementation of key strategic priorities going forward.
Africa and the African Union
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received Walid bin Abdul Karim Al-Khuraiji, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, accompanied by a high-level delegation, at the Headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa on Monday (February 23). The two sides held discussion on matters of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Visits Major Development Initiatives
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conducted a series of visits to major development projects across the Wollega zones of the Oromia Region, with subsequent stops in Hawassa and the Bilate River area, spanning from February 18 to 22. The program encompassed agricultural clusters, irrigation, mining, industrial, agro-processing, tourism, and corridor projects aimed at advancing inclusive and sustainable national growth.
The objective of the visits was to review progress, support project implementation, and ensure that ongoing initiatives align with Ethiopia’s priorities in agricultural transformation, industrial development, infrastructure expansion, and food sovereignty, while reinforcing the Government’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to local communities.
During his visit to the Banana Cluster Farm in Hawa Gelan Woreda of Kelem Welega Zone, developed under the Bounty of the Basket (Lemat Tirūfat) initiative, the Prime Minister commended farmers for their organized and cooperative efforts. He emphasized that effective utilization of land and water resources, supported by improved road connectivity, has transformed previously underutilized areas into productive agricultural centers with enhanced market access.
At the Qeto Irrigation Infrastructure Development Project serving Sedi Chanka and Hawa Gelan woredas, he highlighted the importance of expanding irrigation through the sustainable use of surface and groundwater resources. Observing that irrigated land is already contributing to diversified crop production and community benefits, Prime Minister Abiy stressed that irrigation expansion and infrastructure connectivity remain central to strengthening national food security. Similar remarks were made regarding fruit development initiatives in the Bilate River area undertaken in partnership with the private sector.
He also reviewed agro-industry and tourism projects, including the Gibe Dedesa Farmers’ Cooperative Union modern flour mill and the Sorga Eco Lodge near Nekemte City. These initiatives are strengthening agricultural value chains, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable tourism, demonstrating the ways in which development projects are benefiting local communities and supporting broader economic growth.
The Prime Minister additionally reviewed strategic industrial and natural resource projects, including the Tulu Kapi Gold Development Project, the Arjo Coal Processing Factory, and the Arjo Didessa Irrigation Project. He highlighted the importance of responsibly utilizing natural resources through collaboration between government and investors to stimulate socio-economic development, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance domestic production capacity.
Corridor development works in Hawassa were highlighted for their role in preparing urban centers for future growth. The visits concluded with renewed commitments from implementing institutions and regional authorities to sustain progress and ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects.
Overall, Prime Minister Abiy’s visits reflect Ethiopia’s continued focus on community-centered development and its commitment to strengthening economic resilience and improving livelihoods nationwide.
Foreign Ministry Recognizes Contributors to Successful AU and Italy-Africa Summits
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a recognition and appreciation program honoring institutions and individuals who contributed to the successful organization of the 39th African Union Summit and the second Italy–Africa Summit on Thursday (February 19). The recognition ceremony brought together representatives of government offices, partner institutions, and volunteers who supported the organization of the high-level meetings held in Addis Ababa.
In his remarks, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos commended the coordinated efforts that ensured the smooth conduct of the high-level meetings. He stated that, as host country, Ethiopia demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and patriotism in delivering the summits successfully.
The Minister emphasized that Ethiopia’s positive image was further strengthened through the maintenance of security, the provision of warm hospitality, and the delivery of efficient services throughout the events. He added that the effective inter-institutional coordination achieved in organizing the summits provides a solid foundation for future national engagements.
Minister Gedion also extended his appreciation to the young volunteers who participated in the organization of the summits, commending their dedication, discipline, and strong sense of national service.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs and Head of the National Organizing Committee, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, conveyed his gratitude on behalf of the committee for the successful outcomes made possible through close collaboration among stakeholders. He noted that Ethiopia’s ongoing development progress, including the transformation of Addis Ababa, was showcased during the conferences and attracted interest from participants seeking to learn from the country’s experience.
Certificates of recognition were presented to various institutions and entities in acknowledgment of their outstanding contributions to the successful hosting of the two summits.
A total of 41 Heads of State, 48 Foreign Ministers, 12 First Ladies, and numerous heads of delegation in various capacities took part in the summits, alongside more than 20,000 participants and over 1,225 media professionals. Ethiopia successfully hosted the events and welcomed its guests in an atmosphere of organization and hospitality.
The summits further demonstrated Ethiopia’s effective engagement with multilateral and bilateral platforms at various levels to advance its national interests and strengthen its diplomatic outreach.
Ethiopia and Ireland Agree on Framework for Regular Political Consultation and Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
Ethiopia and Ireland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (February 18) to establish a framework for regular political consultations aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The agreement was signed by State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera, and Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond.
On the occasion, Ambassador Hadera Abera stated that the MoU reflects the shared commitment of both countries to institutionalize structured dialogue and further consolidate their partnership.
He stressed the importance of broadening the relationship beyond its traditional focus on humanitarian and development assistance to enhanced trade and investment ties, in light of the opportunities created by Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms. He encouraged Irish investors to explore priority sectors including aviation, telecommunications, financial services, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Minister Richmond, on his part, expressed Ireland’s strong interest in deepening cooperation based on mutual benefit, particularly in the health and pharmaceutical sectors.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional peace and security issues and agreed to strengthen engagement at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels through regular political consultations.
8th Round of Ethiopia-Canada Political COnsulation Held in Addis Ababa
The 8th Round of Political Consultations between Ethiopia and Canada was held on Tuesday (February 17), bringing together senior officials from both countries to review bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.
The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.
The consultation aimed to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two countries through enhanced political dialogue and expanded cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Discussions focused on reviewing the status of bilateral engagement and identifying priority sectors for future collaboration.
Ambassador Hadera reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing the partnership, which is grounded in mutual respect and shared values.
On her part, Assistant Deputy Minister Urban reiterated Canada’s interest in expanding its engagement with Ethiopia, recognizing the country as an important partner in Africa.
The two sides exchanged views on political, economic, and development cooperation, while also discussing regional peace and security matters.
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