News in Brief
Ethiopia Officially Launches Long-Term Low-Emission and Climate-Resilient Development Strategy
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Malta pays a visit to Ethiopia
Ethiopia-Pakistan: A New Chapter of Revamped Bilateral Relations
Ethiopia, Croatia: First Bilateral Consultations
Africa and the African Union
In a statement issued on Tuesday (May 9), the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, welcomes the announcement made by the Transition Authorities in Mali on the convening of a constitutional referendum on June 18, 2023, to adopt the new Constitution as part of key collective efforts towards the return to constitutional order.
The continental aviation summit, under the theme “The Acceleration of the Single African Air Transport Market,” kicked off in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (May 10). The Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission, Adefunke Adeyemi, stated on the occasion that the integrated air transport market project in Africa is part of the African Union Agenda 2063. It is stated on the forum that 36 African countries, including Ethiopia, have signed up to become part of the market in order to implement integrated air transport in Africa.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) officially launched its Reproductive Health Strategy Priorities 2022–2026 on Friday (May 5, 2023) to improve maternal and reproductive health in Africa and contribute to reducing maternal mortality within the African Union (AU) Member States. The meeting was attended by over 150 participants from 51 out of 55 AU member states, including Ministers of Health, Deputy Ministers, National Public Health institutes, and National Reproductive Health experts. Member States agreed to adopt the Africa CDC Reproductive Health Strategy Priorities 2022-2026 at the national and sub-nation level.
The 9th Forum of the African Union Commission on International Law is set to be held in AUC Headquarters, Addis Ababa, from May 15–16, 2023. The 9th AUCIL forum will be held under the theme “International Law, Business Law, and Human Rights in Africa.”
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed at his office on Thursday (May 11) the Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of South Sudan. “[I’m] pleased to receive at my office today the Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of South Sudan”, the Prime Minister wrote on his social media platforms.
Ethiopia’s “Long-Term Low Emission and Climate Resilient Strategy” (LT-LEDS) was officially launched on Thursday (May 11) at the Friendship Square in Addis Ababa. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, presided over the high-level event. The Ministry of Planning and Development and the Ministry of Finance organised the event. (See article)
A high-level delegation led by Ian Borg, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Malta, paid a three-day working visit (May 8–10, 2023) to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During its stay in Addis Ababa, the delegation met and exchanged views with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen. The discussions mainly focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and exploring new areas of cooperation. (Article)
A high-level Ethiopian business delegation led by the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, paid a visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan from May 9- 12, 2023). During its stay, the delegation witnessed the launch of Ethiopian Airlines’ new direct flight between Karachi and Addis Ababa and the official inauguration of the Ethiopian Embassy in Pakistan. The delegation also participated in the Ethiopia-Pakistan Business Forum, and Ambassador Mesganu also held talks with senior Pakistani officials, including the Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. (See article)
Ethiopia and Croatia conducted, on Wednesday (May 10), the first ever bilateral consultations at the level of the Director Generals of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries. Both sides explored ways of further strengthening bilateral cooperation. The discussion was mainly focused on an overview and prospects of bilateral relations, potentials for economic cooperation, and coordinating actions on regional and multilateral issues of common concern. (See article)
The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has issued a mobile money-service license to Safaricom M-Pesa Mobile Financial Service, it announced on Thursday (May 11). Previously, only Telebirr, part of the state-owned Ethio Telecom network, operated in that market. Kenya-based Safaricom was also the first company to break Ethio Telecom’s monopoly on Ethiopian mobile phone service in October, through its Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia subsidiary. The NBE introduced legislation into the Parliamentary Assembly earlier in 2022 to make the private service possible.
The number of people fleeing from violence in Sudan and are arriving to Ethiopia via Metema border town have now reached more than 18,000 since 21 21 April, the UN said on Thursday (May 11). For the first time, new arrivals reported at the Pagak/Bubieyr border crossing in the Gambella Region. About 200 South Sudanese refugees, who had previously been hosted in Sudan, crossed into Ethiopia. In late April, West Gonder Zone administration in the Amhara regional state said foreign nationals from at least 23 countries have arrived in Metema Yohannes city of the zone, where they received helps from local communities.
State Minister of Finance, Eyob Tekalign, met with Jerome Henique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa. The parties discussed the investment opportunities in the telecom sector and how to work together. Eyob reiterated the Government’s commitment to attract investors in the telecom sector and its importance to the national digital transformation and inclusive growth agenda. Henique on his part reiterated Orange’s interest in the Ethiopian market as well as the region.
The International Trade Centre (ITC), through its Alliances for Action initiative, on Thursday (May 11) unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Amharic translation of the fourth edition of the world’s most comprehensive, practical source for the international coffee trade, The Coffee Guide. This new edition updates the latest trends of the last decade, especially for quality, digitalization, climate change, finance and risk and consumer preferences. It presents fresh industry data that classify production and consumption numbers by coffee quality segment (standard, premium and specialized) rather than the traditional Arabica/Robusta classification of data.
A team of 10 medical experts from the Army Medical University (AMU) of China on Wednesday (May 10) departed for Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, to provide medical aid for a period of one year. The medical team, led by AMU’s Southwest Hospital, is the ninth expert team the university has sent to aid Ethiopia. Experts on the team are from eight of the hospital’s departments, including the hepatological surgery, infectious diseases and radiology departments. Since 2015, 85 experts from the AMU have been dispatched to Ethiopia.
The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) stated that it is considering elections in Tigray and other parts of the country where the 6th national election was not held due to various problems. The statement came at a time when the Board presented on Wednesday (May 10) its job evaluation report of the last nine months of the current Ethiopian fiscal year to the Democracy Affairs Standing Committee of the House of Peoples Representatives.
Djibouti
President Kagame of Rwanda, on Wednesday (May 10), met with a delegation from Djibouti led by Mahmoudi Ali Youssouf, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who brought a message from President Ismail Omar Guelleh. They discussed the security situation in the Horn of Africa as well as the advancement of bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest with a focus on trade, the president’s office said. The meeting followed the first Joint Ministerial Commission meeting between Djibouti and Rwanda that took place earlier on Wednesday.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, discussing the ongoing mediation efforts in Sudan, said the prime minister’s office on Monday (May 8). “Prime Minister Trudeau expressed deep concern about the conflict in Sudan and its impact on the humanitarian situation and the stability of the region, as well as on the transition to a civilian government in Sudan,” said Canada’s readout of the phone call that took place on Sunday.
Kenya
President William Ruto on Monday (May 8) made a return to The Hague, as part of his two-day official visit to Netherlands. He met with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands at Noordeinde Palace. During the meeting, Ruto noted that Kenya values the cordial relations it enjoys with the Netherlands. The leaders committed to strengthen ties between the two countries for the mutual prosperity of their citizens.
Kenya and Israel will work together to eliminate barriers to trade between them. President William Ruto and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there exists huge potential between the two countries. “We must exploit these opportunities. There are a wide range of exports that deserve to reach the Israel market,” said President Ruto. He said the absence of direct flights between Kenya and Israel is a “serious impediment” that continues to hamper trade and tourism. President Ruto made the remarks on Tuesday (May 9) when he met the Prime Minister of Israel at his office in Jerusalem.
The UK and Kenya have signed a new security compact to keep the two countries, peoples and region safe, in a major agreement. The agreement covers the full spectrum of security cooperation between the UK and Kenya, and represents a significant milestone in the security relationship between the two countries. The Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat MP, signed the new agreement with Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for the Interior and National Administration, Professor Kithure Kindiki, in Nairobi this week. The security compact includes £10 million a year of funding to support counter-terrorism programmes, as well as commitments on defence, international cooperation, community security, law enforcement and criminal justice, cyber security, and bilateral, multilateral and regional coordination.
Somalia
Forces of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) averted a planned al-Shabaab terrorist group attack on Mogadishu’s peace garden park, a popular spot near Somalia’s presidential palace, the country’s Information Ministry said on Monday (May 8). During the operation, the intelligence officers seized suicide vests and an auto rickshaw intended for use in the attack, according to the ministry.
South Sudan
South Sudan’s Ministry of Finance has contributed $15 million dollars to the World Food Program (WFP) to help it respond to emergency situations in South Sudan. The announcement was made during the signing of an agreement with the WFP Country Director in Juba on Wednesday (May 10). According to South Sudan’s Minister of Finance, Dier Tong Ngor, part of the money is meant to enable WFP to support South Sudanese communities fleeing war in Sudan.
South Sudan’s presidential security advisor Tut Gatluak Manimeh on Tuesday (May 9) met Egyptian President Abdelfattah El-Sisi in Cairo to deliver a letter from President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the two countries ties and the ongoing situation in Sudan. Egyptian presidency spokesman Ahmed Fahmy said “Gatluak gave the President a letter from his brother, President Salva Kiir, on ways to strengthen the distinguished bilateral relations between the two fraternal countries.” “This is in addition to reviewing developments in Sudan, and consulting on efforts to resolve the crisis in order to safeguard the safety and security of the fraternal Sudanese people,” the Egyptian presidential aide further added.
The top UN officials told the Security Council on Tuesday (May 9) that the violence in Sudan could derail bilateral political progress with neighbouring South Sudan. The Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peace Building Affairs and Peace Operations, Martha Akyaa Pobee, told the Council that the outbreak of violence in Sudan might deeply impact the chance for political progress on Abyei and border issues.
Sudan
Sudan’s warring parties signed a commitment late on Thursday (May 11) on guidelines for allowing humanitarian assistance, with talks still ongoing on reaching a ceasefire, US officials said. Representatives of the army and paramilitary forces, who have been fighting for nearly a month, signed the agreement in the Saudi city of Jeddah on a “declaration of commitment to protect the civilians of Sudan,” said a US official involved in the talks. The agreement commits both sides in general terms to let in humanitarian assistance, to allow the restoration of electricity, water and other basic services, to withdraw security forces from hospitals and to arrange for “respectful burial” of the dead. Negotiations are still underway on reaching a new temporary truce to let in aid, with a proposal on the table to halt fighting for 10 days, the US official said, on condition of anonymity.
The Human Rights Council, on Thursday, expanded the mandate of its expert on human rights in Sudan to include violations committed during the ongoing conflict between the army and the paramilitary force. Accordingly, the expert will now have a broader scope of responsibility to monitor and report on all human rights violations and abuses since October 25, 2021, including those committed during the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF.
Ethiopia Officially Launches Long-Term Low-Emission and Climate-Resilient Development Strategy
Ethiopia’s “Long-Term Low Emission and Climate Resilient Strategy” (LT-LEDS) was officially launched on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Friendship Square in Addis Ababa. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, presided over the high-level event. The Ministry of Planning and Development and the Ministry of Finance organised the event.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, stated in his inaugural remarks that climate change continues to drastically affect the livelihoods of our people and around the world by inducing drought and ecological imbalance, among others. Ethiopia’s projects, such as the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) and capitalising on renewable energy sources, which Ethiopia is endowed with, are part and parcel of the climate agenda, Demeke added. He said that through the GLI, Ethiopia is conducting “Green Diplomacy” in East Africa and wants to expand the engagement at the continental level.
After officiating the launch of the LT-LEDS, Demeke also emphasized the need to mainstream the priorities accentuated by the LT-LEDS into our national development plans and sectoral engagements and called upon partners and stakeholders to continuously support the incessant efforts of the Government in effectively implementing the Strategy and tackling the challenges borne of the climate crisis. He also underscored the commitment of the Government to promote it at national and multilateral venues and garner financial and technical support from partners.
In her opening remarks, Fitsum Assefa, Minister of Planning and Development, said Ethiopia and other developing countries are bearing the brunt of climate change-induced phenomena such as drought despite minimal contributions. She added that the Government of Ethiopia is committed to effecting a climate-resilient development in tandem with bringing about low emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. The LT-LEDS needs the concerted efforts of stakeholders for its implementation and success, and developed countries and international partners should continue providing financial and technical support to this initiative, the minister noted. She also underscored the pivotal role Ethiopia plays in championing climate adaptation and resilience at national and international levels.
Sandakan Debebe, State Minister of Planning and Development, also gave a brief highlight of the Strategy. Among others, Sandokan addressed the relevance of the LT-LEDS, major climate interventions, investment needs, and financing strategies, as well as the way forward for expedited climate governance. Fitsum Assefa, Minister of Planning and Development, and Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, also presided over a panel discussion on the perennial significance of the strategy to mitigate the risks of climate change and its adverse effects on the livelihoods of people.
Ministers, ambassadors, and representatives from international organisations who supported the development of this critical national framework aimed at bridging Ethiopia’s sustainable development, net zero carbon growth and climate resilience objectives attended the historic launching ceremony. It was learned that the long-term planning horizon of the LT-LEDS provides an opportunity to consider interactions, synergies, and trade-offs between different sectoral climate goals and national development priorities. It also provides a roadmap for long-term decarburization and climate-resilient development in Ethiopia.
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Malta pays a visit to Ethiopia
A high-level delegation led by Ian Borg, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Malta, paid a three-day working visit (May 8–10, 2023) to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
During its stay in Addis Ababa, the delegation met and exchanged views with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen. The discussions mainly focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and exploring new areas of cooperation.
Demeke Mekonnen briefed the visiting delegation about the successful implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and ongoing efforts to ensure its full implementation. He also expressed Ethiopia’s appreciation to the Government of Malta for its decision to open an Embassy in Addis Ababa and the continuous training of Ethiopian maritime professionals. Some of these professionals are now leading the Ethiopian Maritime and Logistics Enterprise, which is playing a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s economy.
Demeke urged the Republic of Malta to speak the truth and take fair and balanced positions at the European Union and the UN Security Council on issues of mutual concern.
Ideas were exchanged on the current situation in Sudan and Ethiopia’s commitment to urging both parties to address their differences peacefully. Ethiopia’s efforts in welcoming those fleeing the conflict and facilitating the evacuation of diplomats and citizens of different states were highly appreciated.
The Malta side acknowledged the importance of Ethiopia as a key partner in the Horn and throughout Africa, bridging the link between Europe and Africa. Agreements were reached to encourage Maltese investments in Ethiopia, especially in the logistics and tourism sectors, maritime services, and air services. Strong interest was shown in working on better cooperation in the field of education and training for Ethiopia’s youth.
Malta appreciates the commitment by the Government of Ethiopia to the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and insures further cooperation in persuading international financial institutions to finance reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
Finally, the need to cooperate in encouraging private sector investment and business-to-business relations is stressed. To this end, three agreements were signed (one Air Service Agreement and two Memorandum of Understandings on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism and Diplomatic Training) in the presence of Alemu Seme, Minister of Transport and Logistics; Mengistu Nigusssie, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority; Ambassador Nasise Chali, Minister of Tourism; and Jafar Bedru, Deputy Executive Director of the Institution of Foreign Affairs.
Ethiopia-Pakistan: A New Chapter of Revamped Bilateral Relations
A high-level Ethiopian business delegation led by the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, paid a visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan from May 9- 12, 2023). During its stay, the delegation witnessed the launch of Ethiopian Airlines’ new direct flight between Karachi and Addis Ababa and the official inauguration of the Ethiopian Embassy in Pakistan. The delegation also participated in the Ethiopia-Pakistan Business Forum, and Ambassador Mesganu also held talks with senior Pakistani officials, including the Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Relaunching Flights after 20 Years of Interruptions
On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, Ethiopian Airlines launched new direct flights between Addis Ababa and Karachi. The inaugural flight that departed from Addis Ababa received a warm welcome by Pakistani Government officials upon arrival at Karachi International Airport.
On the flight, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, high-level Government officials, and representatives from various sectors boarded for Karachi. The flight to one of the most populated cities in the world, Karachi, is the 37th destination of Ethiopian Airlines in Asia and connects Addis Ababa and Karachi four times a week, according to the airline.
The new flight resumed after nearly two decades of interruption and is expected to connect Ethiopia to Southeast Asia. The flight service of the airline demonstrates the recent Ethiopian and Pakistani efforts to strengthen their bilateral relations to boost trade and investment ties. New flights to Copenhagen, Atlanata, and Abijan are scheduled to be launched in May 2023, expanding the destinations of the multiple award-winning Ethiopian Airlines. Ethiopian Airlines is currently flying to 145 domestic and international destinations on five continents.
Ethiopia-Pakistan Business Forum
Following its arrival in Pakistan, the Ethiopian delegation took part in the Ethiopia-Pakistan Business Forum on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, in Karachi. The forum was held with the objective of fostering more commercial and investment ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, stated at the beginning of the forum that Ethiopia has been working diligently over the past five years to strengthen its diplomatic and trade relations with Pakistan. He added that Ethiopia is transforming its policies to attract more international investment, urging Pakistani investors to seize the opportunity. He stated that the Ethiopian Government is making a lot of effort to increase trade volume between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
The Chief Executive of Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, stated in his address that the beginning of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Karachi will give Pakistan a chance to improve its relations with Africa in addition to Ethiopia. He underlined that the countries should maximize their potential and comparative commercial potential to develop their trade and noted that Ethiopia is a crucial country in Pakistan’s relations with Africa.
The forum provided an explanation and discussion of Ethiopia’s economic opportunities and favourable environment. Senior government representatives from various institutions, as well as members of the business community, attend the forum.
Ambassador Mesganu meets Pakistan’s Foreign Minister
The State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mesganu Arega, met Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in Karachi. During their discussion, Ambassador Mesganu mentioned the ongoing progress of the two countries diplomatic and economic relations since Ethiopia opened its embassy in Islamabad a year ago. The State Minister reaffirmed the Ethiopian Government’s commitment to strengthen and diversify the two countries bilateral relations.
Pakistan’s minister of Foreign Affairs, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, expressed his appreciation for Ethiopian Airlines’ new direct flight to Karachi, which stands as a symbol of growing friendly ties between the two countries. He also underlined his country’s interest in cooperating with Ethiopia on mutual regional and global issues. The two officials also exchanged views on various bilateral issues to further strengthen historical relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
Following its engagements in Karachi, the high-level Ethiopian Government delegation travelled to Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, for further business and diplomatic activities.
Official Inauguration of Ethiopian Embassy in Pakistan
The Ethiopian Embassy in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was officially inaugurated Thursday, May 20, 2023, in the presence of ambassadors and the diplomatic community based in Islamabad. Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, cut the inauguration ribbon of the embassy.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mesganu said the opening of the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad marks a new chapter in the diplomatic, political, economic, and social cooperation between the two countries. He also noted that the embassy has made remarkable progress in a short period of time in advancing bilateral cooperation in a number of fields. According to Ambassador Mesganu, apart from bilateral relations, Ethiopia considers Pakistan a strategic partner in international issues such as climate change, migration, security, and terrorism.
The other speaker at the ceremony, Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, mentioned that Ethiopia and Pakistan have common economic and development challenges that need the two countries cooperation to be solved. The State Minister also stressed that the opening of the Ethiopian embassy in Islamabad will play a vital role in enhancing Pakistan’s relations with Africa.
Jemal Baker, Ethiopia’s Ambassador in Pakistan, said the establishment of the embassy in Islamabad shows the Government of Ethiopia’s keen interest in deepening ties with Pakistan. The Ambassador also extended his appreciation to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for its unreserved support in realizing the opening of the Ethiopian Embassy, which further strengthened the seven decades-long Ethiopian and Pakistani bilateral diplomatic relations.
Consultation with Senior Officials of Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry
State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga met with senior officials of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, May 11, 2023, for a briefing on current Ethiopia-Pakistan relations. The ambassador underlined in his speech that the positive relationship that is being observed in commerce and business should be encouraged in the same manner in politics.
According to Ambassador Mesganu, Ethiopia is one of the developing nations that is experiencing significant economic growth, and it will give Pakistani investors the assistance they need to further expand their involvement in the economy of the country. The State Minister urged holding ministerial meetings and bilateral political consultations to improve ties between the two countries. The meeting also discussed regional peace and security issues.
The senior officials of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed their delight at Ethiopia’s opening of its embassy in Islamabad. They stated that improving relations with Ethiopia and developing Pakistan’s ties to Africa depend on each other.
Signing of MoU to Cooperate in Science and Technology fields
Ethiopia and Pakistan signed memorandum of understanding on Friday (May 12) to cooperate in the science and technology fields. The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Ethiopia and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Pakistan.
During the signing ceremony, Foziya Iman, State Minister of Science and Technology of Ethiopia, noted that the MoU laid the foundation for cooperation among science and technology development and research institutions of the two countries. The State Minister underlined that it helps to enhance the higher education institution and industry linkage programs. According to the State Minister, the two ministries are responsible for preparing a joint implementation plan within a short period of time.
Zainul Abedin, Scientific Advisor of the Ministry of Science and Technology, marks the agreement as a new field of partnership between the two countries. In his statement, the advisor also reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to implement the signed document and readiness to support Ethiopia in technology transfer and knowledge sharing, such as in the pharmaceutical, textile, and chemical industries.
Ethiopia, Croatia: First Bilateral Consultations
Ethiopia and Croatia conducted on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, the first ever bilateral consultations at the level of the Director Generals of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries. Both sides explored ways of further strengthening bilateral cooperation. The discussion was mainly focused on an overview and prospects of bilateral relations, potentials for economic cooperation, and coordinating actions on regional and multilateral issues of common concern.
The discussion was co-chaired by Ambassador Zenebe Kebede, Director General for Europe and American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and his counterpart, Petar Mihatov, Director General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia. Discussions were aimed at identifying new areas of cooperation and working closely to elevate relations to an even higher level.
Petar Mihatov informed his Ethiopian counterpart of Croatia’s decision to open its embassy in Addis Ababa to further develop relations. He stressed Croatia’s readiness to strengthen diplomatic relations with Ethiopia in the agriculture, health, tourism, transport, and logistics sectors. Strengthened cooperation and support for the implementation of the Transitional Justice Mechanism, as well as the National Dialogue, were agreed upon. Support for the implementation of the home-grown economic programme and development assistance was highlighted.
Ambassador Zenebe Kebede welcomed the decision to open an embassy in Addis Ababa and explained in detail Ethiopia’s unique role in securing peace and stability in the region. He pointed out the opening up of the economy and invited Croatian businesses to benefit from the opportunities at home. Cooperation in the trade of specialty Ethiopian coffee and leather garments was highlighted. The potential for involvement in mining, mechanized agriculture, e-health and technology transfer was explored. Finally, the representatives agreed to further strengthen the relationship and elevate the bilateral talks with the inclusion of relevant Government ministries.