H.E. Dr. Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, held discussion and signed MoU with H.E. Mr. Gordan Radman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia on the side line of the Third AU-EU Ministerial Meeting.

The Ministers underscored the need to further strengthening the partnership of the two countries in the areas of trade, investment, agriculture, tourism digitization and energy developments.

The Miinisters highlighted the need for stronger diplomatic representatiom and regular dialogues on the basis of the signed Memorandum of Understanding that establishes political consultation at deferent levels. The MoU serves as a milestone to further strengthen the relationship between Ethiopia and Croatia.

Brussels, 21 May 2025, On the margins of the Third European Union–African Union Ministerial Meeting, H.E. Dr. Gedion Timotheos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and H.E. Juraj Blanár, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, engaged in a high-level discussion centered at strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation on regional as well ad global issues.

The two officials exchanged views on areas of mutual interest, including political cooperation, economic development and regional security.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration through existing bilateral and multilateral platforms.

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.