Their discussion focused on common concern regarding migration and cooperation pertaining to sustainability of the process.

During the meeting, Mr. Brunner acknowledged the significant efforts in the process of handling EU concerns on the illegal migration, returns and readmission. He also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and promised to reflect the credible work.

H. E. Minister Gedion expressed Ethiopia’s commitment in promoting regular safe migration and the desire for expediting the process of addressing the reasonable and just concerns of the EU member states. He emphasized the effect of the longer restrictions on Ethiopians will cause

Minister Maxime Prévot acknowledges Ethiopia’s key role in the Horn of Africa as well as Africa .

The Deputy Prime Minister underlined the historical ties and how Belgium attaches great importance of celebrating longstanding diplomatic relations. Minister Gedion on his part stated the need to use the opportunity to strengthen the relations of Ethiopia and Belgium. The Ministers stated the values of identifying strategic trade and investment opportunities.

Dr. Gedion particularly highlighted the anniversary is a milestone for the cooperation of the two countries and celebrating the event of 120 years friendship is very meaningful and memorable.

Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot, on his part, reaffirmed readiness to work in coordination to have win- win partnership.

The Deputy Prime Minister further stressed Ethiopia’s significant role in the maintenance of regional peace and security and expressed the EU’s commitment to working with Ethiopia to support continued peace and security through strengthened cooperation. Minister Dr. Gedion expressed appreciation for Belgium’s Universities cooperation.

H.E. Eshete Tilahun Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the BENELUX countries and the institutions of the European Union, presented his letters of credentials to H.E. Mr. António Costa, President of the European Council, and H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission today 20 May 2025.

At this occasion, Ambassador Eshete held brief exchanges with both Presidents.

Ethiopia and the European Union enjoy a longstanding relationship spanning over half a century, marked by close cooperation that has progressively advanced into Towards Strategic Partnership.

Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Dr. Gedion Timothewos arrived in Brussels today for the 3rd AU- EU Ministerial meeting and met with Mr. Jozef Síkela, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships.

Dr. Gedion appreciated the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and the European Union (EU) during the last five decades. He emphasized the shared commitment to advancing peace, stability, and development for mutual benefits.

The Minister underscored the importance of further strengthening the partnership between Ethiopia and the European Union. He also stressed the need to implement commitments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Engagement Agreement signed between Ethiopia and the European Union.

The Minister also highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts to ensure attractive business climate. He also noted the establishment of Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) as Ethiopia’s sovereign investment arm, playing a strategic role in the promotion of FDI.

H.E. Commissioner Síkela on his part in turn, expressed his views on Ethiopia’s immense potential for investment and business opportunities. He underlined Ethiopia’s key role in maintaining peace and security in the region. He also, emphasized the European Union’s commitment to cooperating with Ethiopia further on the basis of equal mutually beneficial partnership and expressed desire to strengthen collaborations.

The two officials discussed as well on regional peace and economic development with affirmation of their readiness to collaborate.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, held discussions with Mr. Younous OMARJEE, Vice-President of the European Parliament, at his office.

Gedion said the visit would contribute to further strengthening the relationship between Ethiopia and the European Union, emphasizing that the EU has been a longstanding development partner of Ethiopia.

The Minister undescored that the two sides share common interests in a range of areas, adding that Ethiopia is working to strengthen regional economic integration, with its policy direction focused on deepening regional ties.

Vice-President Younous OMARJEE, on his part, acknowledged the longstanding nature of the relationship and affirmed that Ethiopia remains a key partner for the European Union.

The Vice-President further stressed Ethiopia’s significant role in the maintenance of regional peace and security and expressed the EU’s commitment to working with Ethiopia to support continued peace and security through strengthened cooperation.

H.E. Ambassador Eshete Tilahun and the Embassy’s Business Diplomacy team discussed with Mr. Masoud Emami, Representative of Arecify Company, about the investment opportunities in the organic fertilizer and Agro processing sectors in Ethiopia.

Arecify specializes in the production of organic fertilizers, regenerating soil, and Dates (تمر) Processing. The company is interested to invest in Ethiopia and will take part in the upcoming Economic Mission to Ethiopia scheduled to take place from June 1 to 4, 2025.

H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations and President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute, hosted a roundtable meeting on 8 May, 2025 marking of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement and the launching of GGGI.

The Former Secretary-General emphasized the need for stronger global collaboration to address the adverse effects of climate change. He also highlighted the progress made and the way forward in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid today’s evolving global challenges.

In his intervention, Ambassador Eshete shared Ethiopia’s experience in climate-smart agriculture, afforestation and reforestation efforts. He noted that although many pledges have been made, most remain unfulfilled. He stressed the importance of key priorities, including strengthening global cooperation, ensuring national-level commitment, and establishing accountability mechanisms.

He also emphasized that green job creation should prioritize women and girls in Africa and advocate to support renewable energy projects must be encouraged.

The roundtable provided opportunity for GGGI’s partners and beneficiaries countries to share their experiences in green growth, climate financing, and carbon trading.