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Recent International Communities in Ethiopia News Highlights
June 10, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 11, 2025 (FMC) — A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timotheos (PhD) is participating in the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), currently underway in Changsha, China.
In his address at the meeting, Minister Gedion underscored the tangible dividends of the FOCAC mechanism, the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing told Fana Media Corporation.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the China–Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South, which reaffirms the commitments made during the 2024 Beijing FOCAC Summit.
June 10, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 10, 2025 (FMC) — Russian Language Day was observed today at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) headquarters in Addis Ababa, bringing together members of the diplomatic community, scholars, and invited guests for a celebration of language, culture, and enduring friendship.
Hosted in the heart of Africa’s diplomatic capital, the event highlighted the global relevance of the Russian language and featured a curated art gallery showcasing Russian culture, literature, philosophy, and music. The occasion coincides with the birthday of the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin — a symbolic date chosen by both the Russian Federation and the United Nations to honor the Russian language.
June 09, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 9, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to securing access to the sea through peaceful, legal, and diplomatic means.
In an interview with local media, the Prime Minister expressed regret over the historical circumstances under which Ethiopia lost its port access. He emphasized that the issue of sea access is not a new agenda but a long-standing national concern that predates the current administration.
“For over three decades, Ethiopia has remained landlocked, enduring significant challenges,” he said. “This is not merely an economic issue, but one of fairness and justice.”
June 06, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 06, 2025 (FMC) — The United States Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, has reaffirmed his governments’ steadfast commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s ambitious macroeconomic reforms.
The ambassador highlighted the trade and investment ties between the two nations.
Ethiopia has historically operated under a restrictive economic framework where private sector participation was largely constrained; he commended the Ethiopian government’s bold move toward redefining the status quo.
Specifically, the ambassador praised the recent exchange rate reform, noting its pivotal role in propelling Ethiopia’s economy forward.
June 05, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 5, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos told the House of People’s Representatives today that his country’s foreign policy is rooted in a principled strategy that prioritizes neighboring countries.
Speaking during the 34th regular session of the House of People’s Representatives, the foreign minister said Ethiopia is actively collaborating with its neighbors in key areas such as infrastructure development, trade and investment as well as peace and security.
He also pointed out Ethiopia’s continued engagement with regional powers and international partners to protect its national interests and address strategic imperatives.
June 05, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 5, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and Slovenia have expressed their keenness to strengthen cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and space science.
President Taye Atske-Selassie, hosted Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar at the National Palace, where the two leaders held discussions on a range of bilateral and international issues.
In his media briefing after the meeting, President Taye noted that their talks covered Ethiopia-Slovenia relations, global diplomatic challenges, and regional matters of mutual concern.
The President also emphasized the importance of inclusive international cooperation and expressed appreciation for Slovenia’s balanced approach to Africa, rooted in equality and mutual respect.
June 05, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 5, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to social justice, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), currently underway in Geneva, Switzerland.
Leading the Ethiopian delegation, Mr. Daniel Teressa, State Minister for Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Labour and Skills, addressed the plenary session, emphasizing the country’s efforts to promote economic development, embrace digital transformation, and take meaningful climate action.
These initiatives, he noted, reflect Ethiopia’s broader dedication to ensuring fair, equitable, and forward-looking labour policies.
The conference, convened annually by the International Labour Organization (ILO), began on June 2 and will continue through June 13.
June 05, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 5, 2025 (FMC) – High-level officials from Kenya and Ethiopia gathered today in Addis Ababa to advance the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), a key initiative aimed at boosting infrastructure, trade, and digital connectivity across the region.
Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide highlighted the importance of these efforts, stating, “The proposed bridges at Suftu and Rhamu are more than just infrastructure—they embody our joint commitment to economic growth, cross-border trade, and job creation.”
He also emphasized the importance of establishing a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) at Rhamu to streamline customs procedures and promote efficiency.
June 04, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 4, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia underscored the importance of livelihood restoration and resilience building as critical components of disaster risk reduction at the Eighth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), held in Geneva, Switzerland.
The country showcased its strategies to support displaced populations and strengthen community recovery amid increasing climate and conflict-related challenges.
Ethiopia’s delegation, led by Mr. Nesibu Yasin Seid, Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, participated in the event from June 2 to 6, 2025, the Ethiopian Permanent Mission to the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva told Fana Media Corporation.
June 03, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 3, 2025 (FMC) — The FDRE President Taye Atske-Selassie received the credentials of nine newly appointed ambassadors to Ethiopia from various countries.
The ambassadors of Australia, Cuba, Algeria, The Gambia, Georgia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Cyprus presented their credentials to the President earlier today.
The ceremony was attended by Foreign Affairs State Minister Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
June 01, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 1, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has conferred the Ethiopia Special Order — the nation’s highest honor — upon Bill Gates in a ceremony held at the National Palace earlier this evening.
The award recognizes the profound and sustained contributions of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to Ethiopia over the past 25 years, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Abiy thanked Gates for a quarter-century of transformative work, highlighting his journey from technology pioneer to globally respected philanthropist.
He praised Gates’ enduring impact on Ethiopia, noting it has been marked by humility, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to human equality.
June 01, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 1, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative, which has been instrumental to foster green economy, provides valuable experiences for other nations, British Embassy Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Climate and Nature Lead, Nina Hissen-Wright stated.
Nina said that this initiative does not only aim to enhance urban infrastructure but also seeks to promote sustainable practices that contribute to environmental conservation while fostering economic growth.
She added Ethiopia’s commitment to building a green economy is clearly evident in the ongoing corridor development projects in Addis Ababa and other cities in the country.
June 01, 2025
Addis Ababa, June 1, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s engagements in May 2025 reflected his government’s continued commitment to economic transformation, technological advancement, international diplomacy, and national development, according to a summary shared by the Office of the Prime Minister.
The month began with the 44th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers, during which key national priorities were deliberated.
The early days of May also saw the official launch of the “Made in Ethiopia 2025” Expo, now in its third year. In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister emphasised the urgency of transforming Ethiopia’s economy, stating that stability cannot be achieved without economic modernisation.
May 31, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 31, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) during a ceremony held on May 30, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.
Tefera Derbew, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to China, signed the convention on behalf of the Ethiopian government, the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing told Fana Media Corporation.
In a video message issued on the occasion, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Gedion Timothewos said his country remains committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes.
He stated that the East African country recognizes the importance of a fair, efficient, and development-oriented dispute resolution mechanism that responds to the needs of developing countries.
May 28, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 28, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia actively promoted its diverse tourism offerings to a wide international audience at ITB China 2025, held from May 27 to 29 in Shanghai, the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing told Fana Media Corporation.
ITB China is a three-day travel trade fair focused on the Chinese travel industry but attracts global travel suppliers and buyers. The event provides a key platform for connecting with the world’s largest source market for international tourism and travel through exhibitions, conferences, and networking sessions that foster international tourism cooperation and business growth.
May 28, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 28, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent working visit to Italy was a success, Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Mr. Ahmed Shide has said.
During the visit, the Prime Minister held extensive discussions with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The two sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in the areas of education, global peace, and both bilateral and multilateral engagements. The Vatican also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s educational development.
Prime Minister Abiy also held wide-ranging talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, focusing on key bilateral issues. According to Minister Ahmed, the discussions underscored the growing partnership between the two nations, with particular emphasis on Italy’s continued support for Ethiopia’s economic reforms, energy development, and overall growth.
May 27, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 27, 2025 (FMC) – The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Ethiopia, Ruslan Nasibov, has praised Ethiopia’s rapid progress in digital governance, underscoring the strong and expanding partnership between the two countries.
Speaking at Azerbaijan’s Independence Day celebration held in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Nasibov highlighted the multifaceted cooperation, historic ties, and shared aspirations that continue to strengthen bilateral relations.
Ambassador Nasibov pointed to the successful implementation of Ethiopia’s Mesob One Stop Service Center as a landmark achievement which is said to be similar with Azerbaijan’s own ASAN Service, a globally recognized model of digital governance.
May 26, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 26, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and First Lady Zinash Tayachew met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, in Vatican earlier today, the Ethiopian Premier confirmed in a social media post.
“Our discussions focused on both bilateral and multilateral issues, including our shared commitment to global peace,” Abiy said after the meeting with the pontiff.
He added, “We also agreed on the importance of collaborating to expand access to education.”
It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his delegation arrived in Rome, Italy, this morning for working visit.
May 26, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 26, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) met and held talks today in Rome with the CEO of Italian construction and civil engineering company Webuild Group, Pietro Salini, to discuss the progress of the national mega projects the Italian company has been involved in constructing in Ethiopia.
“With the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) — the pride of our nation and Africa — nearing completion in the coming months, and the accelerated progress of the Koysha Dam, Salini’s partnership has been instrumental in advancing our national objectives,” the Ethiopian Preimer noted on social media after his meeting with Pietro Salini.
Their conversation focused on current project milestones, strategies for expediting delivery, and ensuring that sustainability and innovation remain at the heart of implementation, PM Abiy disclosed.
May 23, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 23, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, together with his delegation, was received by President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace for bilateral talks on Thursday during which both sides reviewed the progress in implementing the agreements reached during President Macron’s visit to Ethiopia in December 2024.
While the two countries have long enjoyed strong ties and cooperation in areas such as defense and security, cultural preservation, and education, yesterday’s discussions further explored opportunities to enhance economic collaboration. France has also been a key supporter of Ethiopia’s debt restructuring process.
May 20, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 20, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has held a high-level bilateral meeting with Brazil’s Vice President and Minister of Industry and Development, Geraldo Alckmin, on the margins of the Second Brazil-Africa Dialogue on Food Security, Combating Hunger, and Rural Development in Brasília.
Note that Deputy PM Temesgen, alongside his delegation, traveled to Brazil to participate in the Dialogue.
During the discussion with Mr. Temesgen Truneh, Vice President Alckmin praised Ethiopia’s rapid economic growth and revitalization of domestic production, expressing Brazil’s strong interest in deepening cooperation—especially in the aviation sector, where Ethiopia continues to lead in Africa.
May 13, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 13, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and China have agreed to strengthen judicial cooperation as part of broader efforts to modernize legal systems and enhance bilateral relations.
President of the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia, Mr. Tewodros Mihret, is leading a high-level delegation on a week-long working visit to the People’s Republic of China, which began on May 10, 2025.
On May 13, Mr. Tewodros held productive discussions in Beijing with Mr. Zhang Jun, President of the Supreme People’s Court of China.
According to information obtained by Fana Media Corporation from the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing, the talks focused on deepening institutional ties and supporting Ethiopia’s judicial reform agenda through cooperation and knowledge exchange.
May 12, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 12, 2025 (FMC) — Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Ethiopian delegation underscored the need for renewed global cooperation, stronger multilateralism, and reform of the UN Security Council to reflect equitable representation.
Recalling Ethiopia’s historic 1935 appeal to the League of Nations during its invasion by fascist forces, the delegation stated that Addis Ababa’s early warnings about global inaction foreshadowed the catastrophic conflict that followed. “It was not the covenant of the League that was at stake, but global morality itself,” the delegation noted, referencing Emperor Haile Selassie’s famous plea to the international community.
May 09, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 9, 2025 (FMC) — The FDRE President Taye Atske-Selassie has held talks with advisor to the President of Russian Federation, Igor Levitin, on the margins of Russia’s 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow.
President Taye and Igor Levitin, who is also Special Presidential Representative for International Cooperation in Transport Domain, discussed on ways of strengthening cooperation in the spheres of logistics and transportation between Ethiopia and Russia.
They also emphasized the need for cooperation in the endeavors of regional infrastructure connectivity, where Ethiopia is working aggressively, accord8ng a report from ENA.
May 07, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 7, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today received a message from His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.
In a message published on his social media pages, Premier Abiy said he received the Qatari Amir’s message from Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State of the State of Qatar, at his office.
“In the afternoon today, I had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State of the State of Qatar, who delivered a message from His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar,” Abiy noted.
May 06, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 6, 2025 (FMC) – Denmark is committed to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Ethiopia through inclusive development, green transition initiatives, and deeper political, cultural, and people-to-people cooperation, Danish Ambassador to Ethiopia Sune Krogstrup said in an exclusive interview with Fana Media Corporation.
Reflecting on his second posting to Ethiopia, Ambassador Krogstrup described the country as “a second home” for his family, expressing admiration for the Ethiopian people’s professionalism, honesty, and respectfulness.
He also praised Unity Park, built as part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s ‘Dine for Sheger’ scheme, as a place where Ethiopia’s rich history and culture are brought together in a way that resonates with both citizens and foreigners.
May 06, 2025
Addis Ababa, May 6, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia-Israel Business Forum was held today at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Addis Ababa. The Forum was co-officiated by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, together with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar.
The Business Forum was held under the theme “Strengthening Bilateral Relations through Innovation.”
In his keynote address, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos highlighted the exceptional relations between Ethiopia and Israel that is “steeped in ancient ties, inspired by shared values, and constantly evolving through modern cooperation.” Over the years, he stated, engagements between the two countries have expanded across key areas—agriculture, water management, health, defence, technology, and education.
April 25, 2025
Addis Ababa, April 25, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia and Greece have reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing both government-to-government and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
The announcement came after a visit by a Greek delegation led by Dr. Maximos Charakopoulos, General Secretary of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO) and a member of the Greek Parliament, to the House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) of Ethiopia.
On the occasion, Ethiopia’s Chief Speaker of the HoPR, Mr. Tagese Chafo, held discussions with Dr. Charakopoulos and his delegation.
Diplomatic History of Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with its history spanning over three thousand years. Throughout this long history, situated as it is at a veritable crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, it has enjoyed varied relations with the outside world. Friendly trading relations have alternated with conflicts with external powers that often involved bloody wars. Ethiopia's modern diplomatic history can be traced back to the reign of Emperor Theodros II in the mid nineteenth century who sought to forge strong diplomatic relations with the outside world, most notably with countries in Western Europe. His vision of a developed and prosperous Ethiopia pitted him against all sorts of enemies and sparked off the need to obtain the best scientific and technical expertise from what he justifiably considered were the most advanced nations of the day. He received a number of emissaries of western nations at his court, trying hard to get their advice and counsel on how to develop Ethiopia. In 1868, he committed suicide when defeated by a British army.
Theodros' tradition of contact with western powers was closely followed by the Emperor Yohannes IV (1874-1889) who was equally aware of the value of maintaining good relations with the rest of the world, though he too had his problems not least with the Mahdi in the Sudan and with the Italian encroachments into northern Ethiopia. Notable among the diplomatic missions during his reign were the British delegations of Augustus Wylde (1883), Vice-Admiral Hewett 1884 and Gerald Portal (1887) concerning the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from Sudan after the Mahdi's revolt, the British promise to hand over Massawa which had been in Egyptian hands and their subsequent gifting of it to Italy.
International Communities in Ethiopia