Djibouti is located in the Eastern part of the Horn of Africa. It shares borders with Ethiopia in the North West. Ethiopia and Djibouti have long-standing political and socio-economic relations. The relations between the two countries go back to 1897. But formal diplomatic relations have been established in 1923 when Ethiopia opened its General Consulate Office in Djibouti. Later the Republic of Djibouti opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa, in the aftermath of its independence from France in 1978.
The two countries have strong historical ties sharing a common culture, social values, and languages. Ethiopia has been using the ports of Djibouti for its imports and exports. Currently, about 95% of Ethiopia’s imports and exports are through Djibouti. Besides port usage, transport, telecommunications, trade and investment, security issues, electric power, and potable water are the various areas the two countries have developed strong ties.
The two sisterly countries have longstanding diplomatic, political, economic, social and cultural relations. The two countries have maintained strong cooperation in different areas based on mutual benefit, trust, and respect.
The Ethio-Djibouti strategic partnership is further coordinated by the Joint High-Level Commission which was established in 2009. So far 2 High-level Joint Commission, 15 Joint Ministerial Commission and 25 Joint Border Administrators’ Meetings have taken place.
Thus, the Ethio-Djibouti Economic Integration is unique that could be a model to the countries of the Horn Region; and indeed, the rest of Africa.
Nowadays, the two sisterly countries are committed to realizing Economic Integration through ever-growing infrastructure development projects; such as railway, road, water pipeline, telecom networks and power interconnectivity. The recent inauguration of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Line, which connects Addis Ababa with the Port of Djibouti stands as a remarkable testimony of the thriving bilateral relations.
The recently inaugurated Tadjourah-Balhoroad which connects the Port of Tadjourah to the northeastern regions of Ethiopia will speed up the processing of potash and other commodities through the Port of Tadjourah. The port is the closest outlet for Afar and Tigrai regions of Ethiopia where there is a number of companies developing potash mines. The Tadjourah – Balho road will have a significant impact on the socio-economic life of the local people of the two countries.
Recent Visits and Consultations between the Two Countries
The first official visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Abiy Ahmed after being sworn on April 2, 2018, was to the Republic of Djibouti. The visit aimed at further promoting the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries. During his visit, the prime minister conferred with the president of the Republic of Djibouti, H.E Ismael Omar Guelleh on bilateral and regional issues.
PM Abiy Ahmed held a discussion with Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in June 2019. During the minister’s visit to Ethiopia, he had discussed with the PM Abiy Ahmed on bilateral issues including accelerating economic relations,
Another high official visit between the two countries was Ethiopian Foreign Minister, H.E Gedu Andargachew’s official working visit to Djibouti in May 2019. During the visit, the Foreign Minister met with the President of Djibouti Republic H.E Ismael Omar Guelleh and discussed socio- economic, political and bilateral issues.
Djibouti is one of Ethiopia’s significant trading partners. As of 2017, the trade volume between the two countries reached 299.8 million USD and Ethiopia had a positive trade balance of 299.05 million in net Exports to Djibouti. Djibouti is the third-largest destination of Ethiopian exports in Africa next to Somalia and Sudan.
The relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea started after Eritrea became officially independent following the 1993 referendum. Since then their ties had been friendly for seven years. The Agreement of Friendship and Cooperation between the Transitional Government of Ethiopia and the State of Eritrea signed in July 1993 is a testimony to the spirit of friendship and cooperation.
The two countries had excellent economic relations until the war broke out in 1998. Before the war, the two countries were engaging in an active economic relation with open borders, free trade, and the use of a single currency. The Assab port was the major sea outlet for Ethiopia. The strong economic relationship between the two countries was augmented by common historical, social and cultural ties that exist between communities on both sides of the border.
Yet, the 1998 war had disrupted the economic interdependence between the two countries. The war between Ethiopia and Eritrea that lasted for two years, from 1998-2000, had claimed considerable human lives and caused huge costs on both sides.
The two countries signed the Algiers Peace Accord in December 2000 and agreed to establish a border commission following a cessation of hostilities agreement signed in June 2000. The border commission passed its decision in April 2002. However, the two countries were unable to implement the verdict of the commission for two decades after the end of the war. During this time, the relation between the two countries was unfriendly.
Following the peace call on the 5th of June 2018 by the Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed to the Eritrean government to conclude peace and the state of hostility, the Eritrean President, Isaias Afwerki has accepted the call and announced that Eritrea would dispatch a high-level delegation. This has changed the state of ‘no peace, no war’ situation and ushered a new chapter in their relations. Following the rapprochement, Eritrea reopened its Embassy in Addis and Ethiopia opened its Embassy in Asmara after twenty years. The leaders of the two countries signed a Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship on 9 July 2018 in Asmara. In addition, they signed an Agreement of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation on 16 September 2018 in Jeddah.
Intending to strengthen their relationship, the leaders of the two countries have exchanged frequent visits at various times.
The official and working visits paid by the Ethiopian officials include: –
- Visit by H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia from January 26-27, 2020 to attend a tripartite meeting between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia,
- The visit by the Ethiopian Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed on 18-19 July 2019,
- The visit by the Ethiopian Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed on 5-6 September 2018,
- The visit by the Ethiopian Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed on 8-9 July 2018,
- The visit by H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia on 6-7 August 2018,
- The visit by H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia on 21 October 2018 and,
- The visit by H.E Mr. Ahmed Shide, Former Minister for Government Communication Affairs Office on 19 September 2018.
The Official and working visits made by the Eritrean government is: –
- Visit by the Eritrean president H.E Isaias Afwerki from 04-05 May 2020,
- Eritrean president H.E Isaias Afwerki paid an official visit from 25-26 December 2019,
- The visit by the Eritrean President, H.E. Isaias Afwerki on 14-16 July 2018,
- Working visit made by the Eritrean President, H.E. Isaias Afwerki on 11 September 2018 to open the Debai-Sima-Bure and Serha-Zalmbessa border,
- The visit made by the Eritrean President, H.E. Isaias Afwerki on 14-15 October 2018,
- The visit made by the Eritrean President, H.E. Isaias Afwerki on 9-10 November 2018,
- Exchange of visit by H.E. Osman Salah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea on 26 June 2018 and
- The visit by H.E. Osman Salah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea on 10 August 2018.
Ethiopia and Kenya enjoy longstanding and excellent bilateral relations. The official diplomatic relations of the two countries dates to 1954 when Ethiopia established its Honorary Consulate office in Kenya. Ethiopia appointed its first Ambassador to Kenya in 1961 and Kenya opened its Embassy in Ethiopia in 1967.
The two countries established cooperation mechanisms that are the Ethio-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission and the Joint Border Administrators’ and Commissioners’ meeting which so far held 35 and 32 meetings, respectively.
The two countries heads of State and Government made various exchanges of State and Official visits, in a bid to strengthen the bilateral relations of the two countries.
A. from Addis Ababa to Nairobi different State and Official visits were made. These Include:-
- H.E Mrs. Sahle-Work Zewde’s, President of FDRE, State Visit to Kenya on May 14, 2019
- H.E Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s, Prime Minister of FDRE, State Visit to Kenya on April 6- 7, 2018
- H.E Ato Hailemariam Desalegn’s, former Prime Minister of FDRE, State Visit to Kenya on Nov 21, 2012
- H.E Ato Meles Zenawi’s, late former Prime Minister of FDRE, State Visit to Kenya on March 2-3, 2012, and an Official Visit on March 9, 2000, respectively.
B. from Nairobi to Addis Ababa different State and Official visit was made. These Include:-
- H.E Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta President of Republic of Kenya paid an Official Visit to Ethiopia in October 10-11,2019, March 2-3, 2019 and March 2014
- H.E. Mwai Kibaki visited Ethiopia in March 2005
- H.E. Daniel Arap Moi paid an Official Visit to Ethiopia in November 1991 immediately after EPRDF took State power in Ethiopia.
In July 1997, relations between the two countries gained new momentum following the 31st Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting when numerous MoU’s on social, political and economic fields were signed.
During the 34th JMC meeting, which was held in Nairobi in November 2012 both parties agreed to elevate the JMC to a Summit level; and signed the Special Status Agreement (SSA) with the aim of elevating the economic relations between the two countries to a higher level.
And also 35th JMC meeting which was held in Nairobi in June 2016 stressed the implementation of SSA and commanded further ways to strengthen the relations in different sectors: Education, Health, Agriculture, Security, Transport, Trade, etc. The SSA gave special priority to Trade and Investment promotion, Infrastructure Development, and Food security and sustainable livelihoods.
The positive role played by two countries in line with IGAD’s vision to bring sustainable peace and regional integration in a region is vital for both countries. The two countries enjoy holding common positions at regional, continental and global forums on issues of mutual concern.
The relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have started since Somalia has got its independence in 1961. The two countries had seen ups and downs in their relations since then. The war when the two countries fought in 1979 during the reign of Siad Barre, the former President of Somalia, was unfriendly in their history of ties.
However, their relationship is deeply rooted regardless of the type of government that they have. Taking into account these deep-rooted ties, they restored their diplomatic relations by opening missions in their capitals. Ethiopia opened Embassy in Mogadishu in 2007 and has consulates in Garowe and Hargeisa. The Somali Embassy was reopened in 2006 in Addis Ababa.
In the process of the State formation and reconstruction efforts of Somalia, Ethiopia has played and continues to play a critical role bilaterally and through IGAD. Since the establishment of Somalia Transitional Government in 2004, Ethiopia and Somalia have been working in coordination in the fight against terrorism, and towards ensuring lasting stability and political transformation in Somalia.
Believing that both countries’ peace and security is intertwined as they are neighbors, Ethiopia and Somalia are closely cooperating in the security and military fields. Ethiopia supports the Somalia reconstruction efforts through the capacity building of Somalia security institutions. It has been providing training for Somalia defense and police forces. As part of support to stabilize Somalia, Ethiopia has deployed more than 4,000 peacekeeping troops under AMISOM and played a critical role in security gains made in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
In addition, the two countries collaborate in the areas of education. Ethiopia has been granting scholarships every year to Somalia students in higher learning institutions for a first degree as well as post-graduate studies. In the academic year of 2019/2020 alone, Ethiopia granted over 315 scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate Somalia students.
The relations between the two countries have received a greater boost, with official and working visits by both leaders to the respective capitals.
Official and working visits from Ethiopia to Somalia:
- In 2018, the Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed made an official visit to Mogadishu, which gave a fresh impetus for the multi-faceted bilateral relations between the two countries.
- The FDRE former Prime Minister H.E Hailemariam Dessalegn attended the inauguration ceremony of Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed as the ninth President of Somalia in 2017, and
- The former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu visited Somalia in October 2018.
Official and working visits from Somalia to Ethiopia:
- The President of Somalia H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed paid a working visit in October 2019,
- An Official visit made in March 2019 by the Somalia President H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed,
- Working visit paid by Somalia President H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed in November 2018,
- The Somalia Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Khayre Visited Ethiopia in 2017,
- Ministers for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia have visited Ethiopia at different times, and
- Other Somalia Higher officials visited Ethiopia at different times.
To further strengthen their political, economic and social cooperation, Ethiopia and Somalia established a Joint Ministerial Commission in 2013. Both countries are committed to taking their relations to a higher level through deepening ties in defense, Foreign Ministries, Trade, Air Flight Service, Capacity Building and Public Administration cooperation, Education and Health.
In regional peace and security matters, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia have been working together after Ethiopia-Eritrea rapprochement. Following the restoration of bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and Eritrea and Somalia, the three countries agreed to work in coordination to promote regional peace and security with the intention to build close ties. Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea held a tripartite summit and issued a Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Cooperation on 5 September 2018. The three countries also held a second tripartite summit and reaffirmed their commitment to an inclusive regional peace and cooperation. With the framework of IGAD, Ethiopia and Somalia is working in collaboration with regional economic integration and peace and security.
The relations between Ethiopia and the people of South Sudan was established a long time ago, when South Sudan was part of Sudan, as they share a common border, culture, and people. The widely known ”Addis Ababa Agreement,” an agreement which was signed in 1972 had terminated Sudan’s first civil war and granted autonomy for southern Sudan. Emperor Haile Selassie was behind the agreement and played a key role in mediating the then Anya-Nya Movement and Khartoum government. Under the umbrella of IGAD, Ethiopia has also contributed positively to end the conflict of Sudan. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement /CPA/was mediated by the regional body, IGAD, and it paved the way for the independence of South Sudan.
Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Sudan officially started when South Sudan got its independence in 2011. Following the CPA agreement, Ethiopia has opened a consular office in 2007 in Juba. And after it became an independent state on July 9, 2011, the consular office has been upgraded to the Embassy status in 2011. Similarly, South Sudan has promoted its liaison office in Addis Ababa to the Embassy in 2011.
Of course, South Sudan is the immediate neighbor of Ethiopia in the West sharing 883 km-long border. The tie between the two countries is exhibited in many aspects. There are people who demonstrate the same culture, religion, language, etc. Natural resources, especially the Nile River is also another feature that shows the two countries are bounded for years and years to come.
Aiming at strengthening the existing relationship between the two countries, the first Joint Ministerial Commission meeting was held in 2012. During the meeting, a number of MoU’s have been signed-in the areas of security, political, and socio-economical spheres. Besides this, the leaders of both countries have exchanged official visits. In 2016 former Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn and on March 04, 2018, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has paid a visit to Juba. In reciprocity H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan has officially visited Ethiopia in February 2017.
Ethiopia has been assisting the South Sudanese public service institution by sending experts. In the education sector, Ethiopia has offered scholarship programs both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This is a clear indication that Ethiopia has been supporting the country as a true friend. A number of South Sudanese who fled conflict in their country have been welcomed and staying in the Gambella region. And they consider Ethiopia as their second home country.
In line with IGAD’s vision of regional integration, once peace and security is restored in the country, the two countries will benefit a lot from trade and tourism. To meet this objective, the recurrent conflict in the region has hampered those positive outcomes.
It is expected that south Sudan will join a cooperative framework agreement/ CFA / which has been signed by a majority of upper stream Countries. Nile River, which is a common resource for all riparian countries, needs cooperation among the down and upper stream countries to utilize it optimally based on fair and equitable principles.
Apart from regional issues, South Sudan collaborates with Ethiopia in a number of agendas at an international fora.
Ethiopia and Sudan’s relation goes back to 1896. But formal diplomatic relations have been established in 1956 at the time of Sudan’s independence.
Ethiopia and Sudan have enjoyed a long-standing relationship that extends over thousands of years, a relationship based on blood ties, brotherhood, mutual trust and confidence. In the course of that long history, we have established deep spiritual and social bonds linking our two peoples together.
Since very recently, the two countries have embarked on strengthening their economic relations through massive joint infrastructure development projects and harmonization of policies. We believe these will eventually lead to Economic Integration and an everlasting tie between the destinies of the peoples of both countries.
In line with the central objectives of our Foreign Policy and the above conviction, standard trans-boundary highways on major corridors connecting the two countries, power interconnection, and fiber optic lines have been constructed.
On the other hand, our two countries enjoy a similar culture and way of life. The great River Nile and the Baro River have linked the two people for centuries.
Recent Visits and Consultations between the Two Countries
The Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Abiy Ahmed has visited the Republic of Sudan on May 2, 2018. The visit was aimed at further promoting the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries. During his visit, the prime minister held talks with the president of the Republic of Sudan, H.E. Al Bashir on bilateral and regional issues and met with the Sudanese business community.
Another high official visit between the two countries was Ethiopian Foreign Minister, H.E Gedu Andargachew’s official working visit to Sudan on May 04, 2019. Upon arrival, the delegation was received by H.E. Ilham Ibrahim Shantir, acting Minister for Foreign affairs of the Republic of Sudan.
