Ethiopia and Rwanda have a longstanding historical relation. They share similar progressive views and visions for their peoples. Both are working tirelessly for peace and development of our continent. The official diplomatic relation between the two countries started when Rwanda opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in September 1978 and consequently, Ethiopia opened its Embassy in Kigali in April 2017. Both countries have established a Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) framework to coordinate their bilateral cooperation on 11th July 2012. The first and second Ethiopia Rwanda Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) Meetings were held in Kigali in 2012 and in 2017 respectively for coordinating their bilateral cooperation and to follow up different cooperation agreements which were signed across multiple sectors. To this end, Ethiopia is ready to host the 3rd Joint Ministerial Commission in Addis Ababa. The cooperation agreement is to enhance and evaluate the political, economic and social relations of the two countries.
The bilateral, regional and global cooperation was enhanced following the official visits from both countries.
The Visits are:-
- The official visit of former Prime Minister H.E Meles Zenawi to Rwanda, Kigali in 1999.
- The official visit of former Prime Minister H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn to Rwanda, Kigali in April 2017.
- Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Rwanda in 2019 to take part in the 25th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide.
- The official visit of President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. Paul Kagame, to Addis Ababa Ethiopia in 2015,2018 and different Rwandan higher officials have played significant roles to enhance the relationship.
- Ethiopia and Rwanda are conducting regular consultations at all levels including between our diplomatic institutions on strategic bilateral, regional, continental and global issues of mutual concerns. Both countries are working to explore ways for expanding economic links on the basis of the Joint Ministerial Commission. There are also people to people relations between the two countries. To this end, Ethiopia and Rwanda are enjoying regional, continental and global cooperation. Both countries are cooperating on COMESSA, NILE BASIN INITIATIVES, and AFRICAN UNION AND UN SECURITY COUNCIL floras. Rwanda is the first great lakes countries to ratify the Comprehensive Framework Agreement (CFA) on 13 June 2013 following Ethiopia.
Ethiopia and South Africa has a longstanding relation. Ethiopia has supported South African’s struggle against the Apartheid system. Ethiopia opened its Embassy in Pretoria in 1996, whereas, South Africa opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1997. Since then, both countries have been enjoying cordial bilateral relations in political, economic, and cultural fields. The unwavering commitment to the principles of Pan-Africanism and understanding of each other’s ambitions in the Continent have been the firm foundation for the two countries’ bilateral cooperation.
Several official visits at a high level have exchanged between the two countries; during the transitional period the delegation led by President Meles Zenawi participated in the inaugural ceremony of the establishment of the democratic state of the Republic of South Africa in 1994. The foreign Affairs ministers of both countries exchanged visits in several times.
In addition to that, the former President Dr. Negasso Gidada visited South Africa to witness the national election of the Republic of South Africa which was held in 1999. H.E. Sahle-Work Zewude, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia participated on the inaugural ceremony of President Cyril Ramaphosa on 25th May 2019. Recently, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia paid an official visit to Ethiopia from 11-12 January 2020.
During the higher official visits a number of bilateral dialogue mechanisms and agreements were put in place to foster cooperation in political, economic, scientific, and technical fields by which both sides expressed their willingness to expand the relations to a new height on the basis of equality and mutual benefits. The two countries have also established a Joint Ministerial Commission to follow up on the practical implementation of the cooperation agreements.
The joint ministerial commission was established between the two states in 2004. So far, three meetings at ministerial level and five meetings at senior officials’ level have been held. The 4th joint ministerial commission meeting will be held soon.
More than sixteen agreements have signed between the two countries including the Agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments, in the Field of Arts and Culture and MOU on Industrial and Technical Cooperation.
The two countries collaborate on a number of issues of common concern, forming a sound basis for their relations at the bilateral, regional and global levels. Both countries aspire to see a stable and secure environment in their respective regions. They are keenly aware of the importance of working together to ensure peace and stability in the continent in general. At the global level, both countries have collaborated closely on issues ranging from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the Campaign against Climate Change and the common fight against terrorism. Both countries have common stand on the importance of economic integration of Africa and are fully committed for the realization of Pan-African Vision. Combating the negative impact of climate change, human trafficking, terrorism and religious fundamentalism are areas in which the two countries shall cooperate to advance the interest of Africa at the global stage.
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have long-standing diplomatic relations. The formal diplomatic relations between the two countries was officially marked by opening of Embassies in each other’s of the two countries’ Capitals in the 1960s.
Ethiopia opened its Embassy in Lagos in 1961 and two years later, Nigeria opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1963. Since then, both countries have been enjoying cordial bilateral relations in political, economic and cultural fields. The unwavering commitment to the principles of Pan-Africanism and understanding of each other’s ambitions in the Continent has been the firm foundation for the two countries’ bilateral cooperation.
The two countries have exchanged several official visits since back November 1978 when the then president of Ethiopia Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam visited Nigeria. Former Nigerian President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida visited Ethiopia in February 1992. This was followed by a return visit of former Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to Nigeria in October 1996. Then the former Presidents of Nigeria, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo and H.E Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonatan paid an official visit to Ethiopia in 2006 and in 2011 respectively. The former Prime Minister H.E Hailemariam Dessalegn also made official visit to Nigeria in 2014. Recently, H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, paid an official visit to Ethiopia on11th February, 2020.
During the higher official visits a number of bilateral dialogue mechanisms and agreements were put in place to foster cooperation in political, economic, scientific and technical fields by which both sides expressed their willingness to expand the relations to a new height on the basis of equality and mutual benefits. The two countries have also established a Joint Ministerial Commission to follow up the practical implementation of the cooperation agreements.
Ethiopia and Nigeria have signed more than 12 bilateral cooperation agreements in areas of political consultation, aviation, trade, investment, culture and tourism, education, agriculture, sport, control of illegal drug trafficking and others.
As the most populous Nations in Africa, the two countries collaborate on a number of issues of common concern, forming a sound basis for their relations at the bilateral, regional and global levels. Both countries aspire to see a stable and secure environment in their respective regions. They are keenly aware of the importance of working together to ensure peace and stability in the continent in general. At the global level, both countries have collaborated closely on issues ranging from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the Campaign against Climate Change and the common fight against terrorism. Both countries have a common stand on the importance of economic integration of Africa and are fully committed for the realization of Pan-African Vision. Combating the negative impact of climate change, human trafficking, terrorism, and religious fundamentalism are areas in which the two countries shall cooperate to advance the interest of Africa at the global stage.
The diplomatic relations between the two nations were established in the year 1924.The Nile River is base on the relation of the two countries. The Nile also has a long-lasting impact on the relations between the two countries. It can be inferred from history that the relations of the two countries are mainly centered around the Nile River.
The two countries have been trying to cooperate in various fields and have realized different achievements. Accordingly, the Establishment of the Joint Commission of Ministers (JMC) in 1987 to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries were a significant step next to the establishment of diplomatic relations. In 1989, the first Joint Ministerial Commission meeting was held in Addis Ababa and the second meeting was held in April 2006 in Cairo, third 2010 in Addis Ababa, the fourth joint commission meeting was held in 2011 in Cairo, the fifth in 2014 in Addis Ababa.
The Joint Commission has agreed to elevate the level of leadership when Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi visited Ethiopia from 23-25, 2015 to further strengthen bilateral relations. Thus, the sixth joint commission meeting held in Cairo in December from 17 – 21, 2017 was attended by the leaders of the two countries and upgraded the Joint Ministerial Commission to High-Level Joint Commission. The seventh joint commission is expected to be held in Addis Ababa in January 2020.
The two countries have signed different bilateral agreements at different times which relates to various sectors. Despite the bilateral agreements signed between the two countries at different times, it is hard to say that the overall efforts to implement the agreements and the results from the agreements are satisfactory.
The two countries have signed various agreements on various occasions to improve economic relations between them. The major cooperation agreements on trade, investment promotion, exclusion of tariffs, crop production and agricultural mechanization, livestock, and meat marketing are the major ones.
The two countries have signed an investment expansion and protection agreement. Signing this agreement has had a positive impact on the flow of investment from Egypt to Ethiopia. Since 2007, 60 Egyptian investors have taken investment licenses. As a result, 30 investors have already started producing and providing services and have contributed to the flow of foreign capital and created employment opportunities for many citizens in Ethiopia. The social relations of the two countries are focused on health, education, and agriculture.
Memorandum of Understanding on Health has been signed in 2010, focusing on health sector cooperation between the two countries. An agreement on working with Egypt in the education sector has not gone far from signing an agreement of cooperation. This is due to the fact that the number of scholarships for the first and second-degree curriculum incompatibility. Egypt is known for its expertise in Irrigation water management and subsurface drainage systems. As a result, an agreement has been signed to work in this area and has been working on capacity building since the agreement was signed.
Ethiopia and the Peoples Democratic Republic of Algeria have enjoyed long-standing relations for many years. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in the late 1960s, and particularly following the opening of the Algerian Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1976, the two countries have steadily strengthened a relationship based on their common interests. Ethiopia also opened its Embassy in Algiers, in 2016. Both Countries have been playing a significant role to bring a solution for border conflicts that happened between neighbor Countries. In this regard, Emperor Haile Selassie played a role in mediating a border dispute between Algeria and Morocco and likewise, Algeria was deeply involved in the negotiations which led to the Algiers Agreement of December 2000 between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
The two countries have been and are working closely together in regional and international agendas. Ethiopia and Algeria share a common interest and a common position in the fight against terrorism. They both hold the widely shared view that international terrorism is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. They see terrorism, in all its forms, as a global problem that has no frontiers and cannot be associated with any particular religion, culture or societies. Their respective responses to terrorism have in part been inspired by some of the measures taken by the OAU and subsequently by the African Union. Both Ethiopia and Algeria have worked together in this and in related continental and international issues concerned with peace and security in Africa and globally. Ethiopia and Algeria are also the strong proponents for the strengthening of the AU, its institutions like NEPAD, agenda 2063, etc.
Algeria is one of the key strategic partners of Ethiopia and so far, the two countries have signed more than 20 cooperation agreements in different fields including, Trade, Investment Protection and Promotion, Avoidance of Double Taxation. In addition to this, they have also agreed to cooperate in the areas of Science, Culture and Technical fields. Following from this they established a Joint Ministerial Commission to monitor the implementation of their agreements. The first Joint Ministerial Commission meeting was held in April 1984 in Algiers, and during that meeting, further possible areas of joint cooperation were discussed. Two Countries held four Joint Ministerial Commission meetings from 1984 to 2017.
Regarding higher officials visit, H.E. Seyoum Mesfin, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, made an official visit to Algeria in 1996, and also H.E Dr. Tewodros Adhanom, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia paid an official visit to Algeria in 2017. Both ministers had exchanged views on how to further strengthen bilateral relations and maximize cooperation in the trade and investment sectors with Algerian officials.
Both countries have also shown a strong desire to move forward and deepen their cooperation in all mutually advantageous fields, to bring the relationship between them to a new and higher level. This would serve to promote the interests of both countries and their shared aspiration for peace and prosperity in Africa.
Longstanding diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Angola goes back to the 1970s. Angola opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1979; while Ethiopian Embassy in Harare is accredited to Angola.
The bilateral relations between the two countries have been further enhanced through numerous high-level visit exchanges. Angola’s Minister of External Relations H.E. Mr. Afonso Van-Dúnem M’Binda visited Ethiopia. And also, the former Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia H.E. Mr. Seyoum Mesfin and H.E. Dr. Tedros Adhanom visited Angola in 2006 and 2014 respectively.
Ethiopia and Angola signed eight bilateral cooperation agreements and MOUs including trade, investment, and air service. Accordingly, Ethiopia exports meat, oilseeds and wine to Angola, whereas; Angola exports petroleum products, crude oil, aluminum sheets, marble, fish products, rubber and fibers to Ethiopia. The two countries have also established a Joint Permanent Commission to follow up on the practical implementation of the cooperation agreements.
Over the last decades, mutual economic interests have emerged as the driving force in the relationship. It is significant potential for enhancing bilateral trade and investment collaboration in key areas like aviation, oil and gas, mineral exploration, telecom, meat products, leather, coffee, tourism, health, culture and sport, and financial services.
Ethiopia and the Central African Republic have longstanding diplomatic relations that go back to the 1970s. The central African Republic opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in 2014; whereas, Ethiopian Embassy in Kigali is accredited to the Central African Republic.
Both countries have been enjoying good bilateral relations in political and economic fields. The unwavering commitment to the principles of Pan-Africanism and understanding of each other’s ambitions in the Continent has been the firm foundation for the two countries’ bilateral cooperation.
Ethiopia and the Central Republic of Africa signed Memorandum of Understanding of bilateral air service agreement. Currently, Ethiopian Airlines is conducting unlimited fly to Bangui including charter and cargo. In general, Ethiopia and the Central African Republic signed four cooperation agreements and MOUs including the air service agreement.
A longstanding diplomatic relation between Ethiopia and Comoros goes back to the 1980s. Comoros opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in 2010; whereas, Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi is accredited to Comoros.
Both countries have been conducting their bilateral relations in economic and social fields. The strong commitment to the principles of Pan-Africanism and understanding of each other’s ambitions in the Continent have been a good foundation for the two countries’ bilateral cooperation.
Ethiopia and Comoros signed three cooperation agreements. These are cooperation agreements on education, general cooperation agreement, and air service agreement.
Ethiopia and the Republic of Congo have longstanding diplomatic relations that go back to the 1960s.
The Republic of Congo opened its Embassy in 1964 in Addis Ababa, whereas, Ethiopian Embassy in Kampala is accredited to the Republic of Congo.
Both countries have been enjoying friendly bilateral relations in political, economic and cultural fields. The unwavering commitment to the principles of Pan-Africanism and understanding of each other’s ambitions in the Continent has been the good foundation for the two countries bilateral cooperation.
Ethiopia and the Republic of Congo signed six cooperation agreements and MOUs including arts and culture, agriculture, and education. The two countries signed a general cooperation agreement.
Ethiopia and Malawi have longstanding diplomatic relations that go back to the 1960s. Malawi opened its Embassy in 1964 in Addis Ababa; whereas, Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi is accredited to Malawi.
Both countries have been enjoying friendly bilateral relations in political, economic and cultural fields. The unwavering commitment to the principles of Pan-Africanism and understanding of each other’s ambitions in the Continent has been the good foundation for the two countries bilateral cooperation.
Ethiopia and Malawi signed six agreements and MOUs in different fields including air service, trade, and tourism. According to the signed bilateral air service and agreed minutes, the Ethiopian airline is flying to Lilongwe.
Ethiopia wishes to further strengthen the bilateral relations to a high partnership level. They have always been working together in championing the agenda of Pan-Africanism, maintaining peace and security as well as promoting the prosperity of the Continent.
Ethiopia and Mauritius have longstanding diplomatic relations that go back to the 1970s. Mauritius opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1976, whereas, Ethiopian Embassy in Harare is accredited to Mauritius. Both countries have been enjoying cordial bilateral relations in political, economic and cultural fields.
Ethiopia and Mauritius signed five cooperation agreements and MOUs including trade, investment, and air service. Different agreements were signed to foster cooperation in political, economic, scientific and technical fields by which both sides expressed their willingness to expand relations to a new high. The two countries are also trying to establish a Joint Ministerial Commission that helps to follow up with the practical implementation of the cooperation agreements.
Longstanding diplomatic relations of Ethiopia and Seychelles goes back to the 1980s. Seychelles opened its Embassy in 2012 in Addis Ababa, whereas, Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi is accredited to Seychelles.
Both countries have been enjoying good bilateral relations in political, economic and cultural fields. The unwavering commitment to the principles of Pan-Africanism and understanding of each other’s ambitions in the continent has been the firm foundation for the two countries’ bilateral cooperation.
Ethiopia and Seychelles signed four cooperation agreements and MOUs including trade and investment. According to the signed air service agreement, Ethiopian airlines started its flight to Seychelles on 6th December 2017.
Ethiopia and Zambia have a longstanding diplomatic relation that goes back to the 1960s. Ethiopia and Zambia have started their close bilateral relations since the struggle of Zambia for its independence. Zambia opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1965, while Ethiopian Embassy in Harare is accredited to Zambia.
Both countries have been enjoying cordial bilateral relations in political, economic and cultural fields. The unwavering commitment to the principles of Pan-Africanism and understanding of each other’s ambitions in the Continent has been the firm foundation for the two countries bilateral cooperation.
The bilateral relations between the two countries have been further enhanced through numerous high-level visit exchanges. His Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie visited Zambia in 1965. For the second time, His Majesty paid an official visit to Zambia in 1970. Conversely, the first President of Republic Zambia, H.E. Dr. Kenneth Kaunda paid a visit to Ethiopia in 1970. The former prime minister of Ethiopia H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn also visited Zambia in 2017.
During the higher official contacts, a number of agreements were signed to foster cooperation in political, economic, scientific and technical fields by which both sides expressed their willingness to expand relations to a new high on the basis of equality and mutual benefits. The two countries have also established a Joint Ministerial Commission to follow up the practical implementation of the cooperation agreements.
Ethiopia and Zambia signed eight Cooperation Agreements and MOUs including the agreement on trade, investment, and media.
Currently, mutual economic interests have emerged as the driving force in the relationship. Economic, trade, science, investment, cultural and tourism, industry, tourism, health, and air service are the potential areas in which the two countries need to enhance the existing cooperation.
Ethiopia and Zimbabwe have longstanding diplomatic relations. During Zimbabwe’s struggle for liberation, Ethiopia hosted and trained Zimbabwe’s freedom fighters including Robert Mugabe. Zimbabwe opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1980, while Ethiopia opened its Embassy in Harare in 1985.
Both countries have been enjoying cordial bilateral relations in political, economic and cultural fields. The unwavering commitment to the principles of Pan-Africanism and understanding of each other’s ambitions in the Continent has been the firm foundation for the bilateral cooperation.
The bilateral relations between the two countries have been further enhanced through numerous high-level visit exchanges. H.E. Mr. Seyoum Mesfin, the former Foreign Minister of Ethiopia paid an official visit to Zimbabwe. Likewise, the late Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Meles Zenawi visited Zimbabwe in 1998 and 2002, respectively. The President of Ethiopia, H.E.Sahle-work Zewde also attended the state funeral ceremony of the late President of Zimbabwe H.E. Robert Mugabe which was taken on 14th September in 2019, in Harare.
During the higher official contacts, different agreements were signed to foster cooperation in political, economic, scientific and technical fields by which both sides expressed their willingness to expand relations to a new high. The two countries have also established a Joint Ministerial Commission to follow up the practical implementation of the agreements.
Ethiopia and Zimbabwe signed nine cooperation agreements and MOUs in the areas of agriculture, investment, and tourism. It is significant potential for enhancing bilateral collaboration in key areas like aviation, telecom, meat products, leather, coffee, education, capital market development and financial services.
The two countries have been collaborating on a number of issues of common concern like an aspire to see a stable and secure environment in their respective regions, and aware of the importance of working together to ensure peace and stability in the continent, and to advance the interest of Africa at the global stage.
