A media forum organized by the EU Delegation to Ethiopia on Tuesday (October 6) shared the progress in exchanges over the past 40 years between Ethiopia and the European Union. The Head of the EU Delegation to Ethiopia, Chantal Hebberecht, gave a presentation on various themes of development, highlighting the successes witnessed in Ethiopia. Ambassador Hebberecht said that the EU and Ethiopia together were playing a key role by cooperating in different development and social sectors. Their joint priorities included health, roads and energy, sustainable agriculture, food security, the environment and support to civil society organizations. The Ambassador said that the European Development Fund (EDF) had “allocated an initial 745 million Euros for the period to 2020 to support government-led programs in Ethiopia.” She stressed that the EU and Ethiopia were marking the 40th anniversary of a “strong and successful partnership.”

On the occasion of the new parliamentary session, the House has re-elected Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and elected House Speakers of the House of the Peoples’ Representative (HPR) and the House of Federation (HoF) on 5 October 2015. Ato Abadula Gemeda and Shitaye Menale are also re-elected as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representative.

At the morning’s opening session of the House of Federation, Ato Yalew Abate and Ato Mohammed Reshid were elected as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Federation respectively. H.E President Dr. Mulatu in his opening speech expressed his belief, and his hope that “this Fifth term of Parliament will remain committed to sustain the successful achievements of past sessions, and focus on the key issues of our efforts to improve our strengths and address our weaknesses.”

“It is a historic moment”, the President added, “as the key event unfolds upon a successful completion of the implementation of the Growth and Transformation Plan One, and the launch of the Growth and Transformation Plan Two, it is a decisive point in our efforts to reach the lower level of middle-income countries by 2025.” Many Diplomats, Ambassadors, Religious Leaders and prominent personalities attended the occasion.

On 28 September 2015, Foreign minister Dr. Tedros met with Ms. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in New York.

Their discussion covered regional political and security matters and ways to work together in managing irregular migration coming from the Horn of Africa region. Ms. Mogherini noted that the EU has recently allocated a Euro 1.8 billion trust fund for the Sahel, North Africa and the Horn to promote economic and equal opportunities, security and development and address the root causes of migration from Africa. “We are refining methods and working on packages to cooperate with Ethiopia and countries of the region to address the root causes of irregular migration”, she added.

Dr. Tedros emphasized the importance of cooperation, underlining that migration had become part of the serious global political agenda. Stopping the flow of irregular migration needed to address the root cause which, he said, “is mainly associated with poverty and addressing inequality through job creation.” He explained Ethiopia’s efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks stretching from the Horn of Africa to North Africa and Europe, and highlighted the need for strong cooperation to do away with these networks which were making billions of dollars by smuggling humans. Ethiopia, as part of its efforts to dismantle these criminal networks, had recently detained over 200 suspects. He also explained about the awareness creation action undertaken by Ethiopia’s National Council on Illegal Migration, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonen.

Dr. Tedros also noted the efforts made in job creation and the results achieved in easing urban unemployment. Ethiopia, as a country of origin of migrants, over the last year alone, he said, had managed to create 2.6 million jobs in Small and Medium Enterprises. Dr. Tedros detailed Ethiopia’s flagged unique situation as a country of origin, of transit and of destination for migrants and refugees. Ethiopia, he said, is one of the main refugee host countries, with some 700,000 refugees in the country at the moment. He hoped that EU cooperation and support to Ethiopia would take all this into consideration.

On 22 September 2015, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhane met a visiting delegation from the EU, led by the Deputy Head of Delegation, Mrs. Terhi Lehtinen, and Ambassador of Netherlands Lidi Remmelzwaal, Permanent Representative to the AU.

The discussion covered the need for a comprehensive response by the European countries to the current problems of migration and refugees, and the importance of enhancing cooperation with Ethiopia, with Horn of Africa countries and with the whole of the African continent. State Minister Ambassador Berhane emphasized that Migration and mobility of people would, of course, continue now that the world has become a village with the emergence of globalization; and addressing the issue was an opportunity as well as a challenge for strengthening bilateral ties with EU countries. He underlined possible joint solutions within the framework of globalization shared Ethiopia’s interest in the problem as the largest host of refugees in Africa. Ambassador Berhane pointed out that Ethiopia has not changed its policies as a result of the current refugee crises. Its existing open-door policy remained the same and it welcomed and could handle refugees from many countries. The number was now approaching a million and some problems were emerging, including devastation of forests and green fields in areas where the refugees were settled. He said Ethiopia shared the concerns of the EU in concrete terms. Indeed, if it had not been able to manage the issue properly, it might have been more affected than the EU countries, since the region remained unstable.

Mrs. Lehtinen noted that the migration or mobility issue was the priority area of discussion for the EU. She said partnerships are needed with African countries to help minimize the challenges comprehensively. The delegation itemized some of the specific projects the EU is implementing to provide support for African states to address mobility and migration and asked for further suggestions on cooperation.

Ambassador Berhane emphasized that the two main areas of crisis that resulted in peoples’ migration were the Horn of Africa and the instability in the Sahel region. He stressed the difference between economic migrants and refugees. At one level, Europe should consider mobilizing and expanding investment in emerging Africa, to enable Africans to live in Africa. With regard to refugees, Ambassador Berhane said the refugees from different countries should be treated with reference to the reality of the situation in their country. Some, for example, were driven to migrate because of war and conflict, others left because of the lack of good governance. More generally, the State Minister listed a number of priority areas for cooperation and partnership between EU and Ethiopia which could include training, education and capacity building as well as public service and awareness creation in rural areas to help deal with illegal human trafficking.

The two sides agreed to discuss these partnership options further and continue similar discussions in other meetings including the EU-Ethiopia Article 8 consultations.

Ethiopian Airlines is powering ahead with a plan to expand its fleet and route network after exceeding its profit target for the 2014-2015 year, its chief executive said in an interview.
The state-owned carrier is ranked the largest airlines in Africa by revenue and profit by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global industry body.
CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said the firm had revenue of 49.4 billion birr ($2.39 billion) in its fiscal year ended July 7, exceeding a target of 43 billion birr. He attributed the growth to a rise in passenger numbers and to expansion of maintenance, catering and aviation training services.
Ethiopian Airlines plans to increase revenue to $10 billion by 2025 by nearly doubling its fleet of 77 aircraft and opening new routes. It currently has 77 planes, including 13 787- 8 Dreamliners by Boeing. It ordered six more Dreamliners in June. It has 50 planes on order altogether, including 14 A350s by Airbus, and expects to increase its fleet of Dreamliners to 30 in 10 years’ time, the CEO said.
The airline has targeted the growing trade ties between Asia and Africa in recent years, as well as that with Brazil by inaugurating flights to Rio de Janeiro. It also launched flights to Los Angeles and Toronto this year.
Tewolde said Ethiopian Airplanes is planning Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and the Chinese cities of Chengdu and Shenzhen as its next Asian destinations, as well as adding Oslo in Europe and New York and Chicago in the United States

Source: Reuters

Foreign Minister Dr Tedros Adhanom opened) the Annual Conference of Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Directors General at Ghion Hotel in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (August 11, 2015). The Foreign Minister, speaking on the occasion, briefed the participants on the performance of the Ministry over the previous year ranging from remarkable gains in the areas of peace and security to trade and investment. Dr Tedros noted that the signing of a Declaration of Principles (DoP) between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt was heraldic of a new era of cooperation over the use of the waters of the Nile on the basis of win-win outcomes and mutual benefit. Dr Tedros emphasized that the cooperative partnership between Ethiopia and Djibouti is on the rise reaching a new height, adding that this momentum further augments the two countries’ efforts to work in tandem for the realization of full fledged economic integration. The Foreign Minister who said the holding of the 53rd Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Mogadishu this year is indicative of a positively changing political and security situation in Somalia. He also noted that the IGAD Ministerial meeting can be regarded as an achievement in as much as it testifies the fact that Somalia is open for business to the world. He said that the implementation of the Addis Ababa Agreement signed between the Jubaland administration and the Federal Government of Somalia is progressing on a right track paving the way for the creation of regional state formation, adding that the Agreement facilitated by Ethiopia is noteworthy achievement as it is bringing peace in the Jubaland administration. He also mentioned that public diplomacy team’s visits to Egypt and Sudan conveyed the objective of building trust and fraternal ties as well as Ethiopia’s desire for mutual growth and strong bond. He noted that President Obama’s Ethiopia visit is a reflection of the consistent and principled engagement of the leadership of the two countries, underlining that this historic visit opens a new dawn for more progress in areas of common interest. Dr Tedros indicating the fact that Ethiopia’s success in hosting of the Third Conference on Financing for Development has brought it into a limelight of international diplomacy highlighted that the conference was equally important platform to tell the world the overall change taking place in Ethiopia and its future political and economic trajectory. Dr Tedros also expressed his appreciation to diplomats for quickly catching up with new era diplomacy tools; calling upon other diplomats and missions to adopt digital diplomacy to engage the overseas publics and communicate Ethiopia’s vision to the outside world. Evaluations on the performance of Ethiopian overseas missions were made following the opening of the conference.

The first ever Oromo Diaspora Festival was officially opened on Sunday with the attendance of high-level government officials and the members of the Oromo Diaspora communities at the Oromo Cultural Center in Addis Ababa. Foreign Minister Dr Tedros Adhanom applauding the role played by the members of the Oromo Diaspora communities reiterated that this is worth-cherishing as the contribution places Ethiopia’s development efforts at its core. Dr Tedros also noted that the Government encourages the Diaspora to be more involved in the course of Ethiopia’s economic growth. Dr Tedros said that it is very symbolic to mark this festival at a time when Ethiopia joins the world’s fastest growing economies. He also stressed that it is high time to join hands to fast-track the efforts in order to enable Ethiopia to join the list of Middle Income Countries by 2025. Dr Tedros briefed the members of Diaspora communities on Ethiopia’s impressive growth and its future trajectory, development path as well as its stellar performance in achieving most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adding that massive infrastructure development is making a big push in Ethiopia’s impressive economic growth.

Source: http://www.mfa.gov.et/news/more.php?newsid=4455

Between July 26 to 28/2015, the first sitting President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, made a three-days visit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During his stay, the American President held talks on bilateral and regional issues with the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. He also met with the President Dr. Mulatu Teshome. He made a historic speech at the African Union on a range of issues that includes human rights, good governance, democratization, etc. During his bilateral consultation with Ethiopian officials, both sides have agreed on several issues, including geothermal power generation, cooperation in the field of intelligence, fight against terrorism, on trade and investment, institutional capacity building and human rights.
After the bilateral discussions on 27 July 2015 the Ethiopian Prime Minister and the American President gave a press conference. President Barack Obama said, he was proud to be the first sitting US President visiting Ethiopia. “My visit reflects the importance the United States places on our relationship with Ethiopia and all the nations and peoples of Africa”. Ethiopia and the United States of America share a longstanding friendship for more than 100 years, and connections between the peoples of the two countries are deep, he said.
The American President pointed out that Ethiopia is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and one of the biggest economies in Africa. In the past 15 years, Ethiopia has lifted millions of people out of poverty. This economic performance forced the US to shift its strategy from just providing aid to strengthening economic cooperation. With the recent renewal of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the American economy is further opening its markets to Ethiopia.
The US President and the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia frankly discussed on how to further promote good governance, protect human rights and strengthen democracy in Ethiopia. According to President Obama, people’s inclusion in the political process accelerates economic development. Ethiopia is a strong partner of the US and should continue to foster its democracy, he also said.
The visiting President furthermore underlined Ethiopia is a key partner of the United States in the fight against terrorism and to built lasting peace in the Horn of Africa region. “Ethiopia’s contribution to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has reduced areas under Al-Shabaab control. This past week, Ethiopian troops have helped to retake two major Al-Shabab strongholds, we have now to keep the pressure on”. President Obama said Ethiopia has the opportunity to extend its leadership in a way it benefits its people and it sets a “positive example” in the region. Ethiopia is also a key-partner to resolve the crisis in South Sudan, the President said.
On his part, the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn said that US investors will now be encouraged to come to Ethiopia in large numbers. At bilateral levels, the talks contributed to enrich understanding to fight climate change and work for the success of the COP21 conference in Paris in December 2015. The Ethiopian government has furthermore clearly expressed its commitment to deepen the democratization process in the country, and work to increase the respect of human rights and to improve good governance. “Our commitment to democracy is real, not skin deep”, the Prime Minister said. Underlining the need to strengthen institutions and build capacities, the Premier said a strong support is expected from the United States. Cooperation with the US is also vital for security and peace building in countries like Somalia and South Sudan. The two partners said they are ready to intensify the campaign against terrorism in the region.
On 28 July 2015, Barack Obama made a historic speech at the African Union headquaters, both “as a proud American” and “as the son of an African”. He emphasized that the dignity of every person is the only foundation of a modern society, in Africa and elsewhere in the world. Africa has achieved “extraordinary progress” among others in economy, education and health, and stereotypes about the continent are changing. The world must recognize this: “Africa is on the move, a new Africa is emerging”. The President said that during his trip to Africa, he encountered young people having a real eagerness and optimism to achieve more prosperity on the continent. But along these progresses, good governance needs to be fostered, he reminded. The US are ready to be the “best friend” of Africa to work on the issue of governance. One of the most fundamental principles, he stressed, is that nobody can stand above the law. US President Barack Obama further said that women empowerment will play crucial role for Africa’s growth and prosperity, and that real development could only be achieved if women are playing an active role in the society. Good governance and accommodation of diversities are also the best weapons against terrorism and instability. Africa’s progress will depend upon the respect of human rights of all people.
A festive reception was organized at the National Palace of Ethiopia in the presence of the President, the Prime Minister, the deputy Prime Minister, other Ministers, high officials, opposition political parties, ambassadors and representatives of civil society organizations and religious leaders. The President tasted the Ethiopian organic coffee and attended an Ethiopian cultural dance show staged in his honor. During his visit in Addis Ababa, he was introduced to the remains of Lucy, “the ancestor of humanity”, 3.2 million years old. At the state dinner, President Obama told the guests Lucy is a reminder that the world’s people are part of the same human family.
This visit of the American President to Ethiopia shows the existing strategic partnership between the two countries and the strong people-to-people relation. It has to be analyzed as the continuation of a strong collaboration, which had already been confirmed in New York in September 2014, when Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn met the President and discussed a range of issues of cooperation at bilateral and multilateral fronts, that includes economic development, good governance, regional stability and the fight against terrorism.

© Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels

President Mulatu Teshome, bidding farewell the outgoing Ambassador of Belgium Ambassador Hughes Chantry, said Ethiopia is keen to deepen its longstanding political and diplomatic relations with Belgium.

President Dr. Mulatu, who noted that Ethiopia is also ready to strengthen its cooperative partnership with Belgium in the areas of education, agriculture, investment and trade, stressed the need for Belgian investors to bring their enterprises and invest in Ethiopia with a view to elevate  the ties between the countries to a new level. Noting that both countries are the seats of the AU and EU, the President, said that cementing the relations should be given attention.

Ambassador Hughes Chantry on his part emphasized that his country values the importance of replicating the excellent political ties into the economic front with Ethiopia. He also noted that Belgian investors have already engaged in Ethiopia in various areas including civil engineering, textile, floriculture and agro-possessing. The outgoing Ambassador further noted that over 50 Belgian businesspersons will come to Ethiopia in October to explore the possibility of investing in the country, adding that his country is willing to support Ethiopia’s developmental efforts, including education.

The Government of Ethiopia and the European Union signed an agreements worth EUR 190 million to support Ethiopia’s road sector and safety net programs.

The agreement was signed between Ethiopian Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Sufian Ahmed and European Union Commissioner in Charge of International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica on 17 July 2015. During the signing ceremony, it was stated that “140 million Euros of the fund is for the Road Sector Policy Support Program (SPSP-IV) and the rest 50 million will be for the Fourth Safety Net Program (PSNP-IV).”

Minister Sufian praised the development cooperation between Ethiopia and the EU and said that the “EU has funded EUR 416.78 million and EUR 350 million for the road sub sector and Productive Safety Net Program respectively starting from 2005.”

EU’s Commissioner Mimica said “The road sector budget support program aims to support the implementation of the government’s Road Sector Development Program IV, which covers the period 2015/20 and aims at improving the road network and ensuring rural accessibility.” The commissioner further noted that the expansion of the road network was playing a key role in Ethiopia’s development and improves the accessibility to basic needs, public services and markets.

Source: MFA Ethiopia