By Staff Writer August 30, 2026 Ethiopia’s week unfolded at the intersection of continental diplomacy, health cooperation and the country’s broader development ambitions, with Addis Ababa once again serving as a major platform for regional and international engagement. From hosting the 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC76) to renewed national discussions on development along the Abay River and Ethiopia’s pursuit of sovereign sea access, the week highlighted a central theme: Ethiopia’s determination to advance development while deepening regional cooperation and economic integration. The developments also underscored the growing importance of the Abay River and the Red Sea in Ethiopia’s long-term economic strategy—one focused on energy security, connectivity, trade and regional prosperity. Ethiopia Hosts Africa’s Leading Health Forum Addis Ababa took center stage in Africa’s health diplomacy as Ethiopia hosted the 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. Co-organized by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, the three-day meeting brought together President Taye Atske Selassie, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba, and delegates from 47 WHO African Region member states, alongside ministers, global health leaders, development partners, donors and WHO representatives. The gathering reviewed progress on regional health priorities and considered new strategies, resolutions and collective actions aimed at strengthening health systems, advancing universal health coverage, improving health security and enhancing emergency preparedness. It also provided an opportunity to showcase Ethiopia’s progress in expanding essential health services and strengthening its capacity to respond to public health emergencies. The WHO Regional Committee for Africa, the governing body of WHO’s African regional office, meets annually to shape regional health policy, review the organization’s work and establish priorities for improving health outcomes across the continent. Africa’s Health Future Must Be African-Led A strong message emerging from the gathering was the need for greater African ownership of the continent’s health agenda. President Taye Atske Selassie called for a new approach centered on African priorities, stronger integration and measurable action, arguing that the continent’s next chapter in health should be driven increasingly by domestic capacity rather than fragmented responses and prolonged dependence. External assistance, he noted, can complement national health objectives, but development support should respond to Africa’s priorities rather than being shaped primarily by reform agendas designed elsewhere. “We must not sit here and adapt to reforms designed elsewhere,” President Taye said, urging African countries instead to “shape the reform agendas” according to their own priorities and vision. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf similarly stressed that health sovereignty is becoming an essential component of Africa’s development agenda. He pointed to persistent and emerging challenges, including Ebola, cholera, Mpox, HIV and tuberculosis, as well as the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. At the same time, he highlighted structural constraints facing African health systems, including limited infrastructure, inadequate financing and shortages of trained health professionals. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom noted that Africa has continued to make progress toward important health targets despite facing some of the deepest reductions in international health financing in a generation. The discussions therefore went beyond public health emergencies, touching on a broader question of how Africa can build resilient, self-reliant and sustainable development systems. Abay River: Development, Energy and Regional Cooperation Alongside health diplomacy, the Abay River remained central to Ethiopia’s national development discourse. Ethiopia views the Abay—one of the major contributors to the Nile, as a critical resource for expanding electricity generation, supporting industrialization and strengthening economic transformation. The inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) marked a major milestone in that development trajectory. The project, Africa’s largest hydropower facility, has been presented by Ethiopia as a cornerstone of its ambition to expand electricity access, accelerate industrial development and strengthen its position as a regional energy hub. The GERD has also intensified the broader regional debate over the equitable and reasonable utilization of shared Nile waters. Ethiopia maintains that the development of its water resources should be pursued in accordance with principles of equitable and reasonable utilization, while recognizing the interests and concerns of other Nile Basin countries. Against this backdrop, former Water Minister Shiferaw Jarso told ENA that Ethiopia should remain firm in pursuing its development interests on the Abay River. He also called for Egypt to compensate Ethiopia for the use of its water resources, citing Ethiopia’s contribution of about 86 percent of the Nile’s flow through the Abay system. Shiferaw argued that continued Egyptian opposition would not prevent Ethiopia from developing additional water infrastructure and reiterated Ethiopia’s longstanding position on the equitable utilization of Nile waters. Similarly, Water Resources researcher Professor Yacob Arsano noted that Egypt’s accusations against Ethiopia over the Abay (Nile) River, despite Egypt contributing no water to the river’s flow, are baseless and completely unacceptable. He stressed that Ethiopia has no allocated share of the Nile waters under the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement, to which Ethiopia was not a party. “Ethiopia has a legitimate right to utilize its water resources for development while ensuring equitable and reasonable use of the Nile waters,” Professor Yacob underscored. He said Egypt has historically sought to hinder Ethiopia’s development and progress, including by supporting internal groups, to prevent the country from utilizing its abundant natural resources. Red Sea Access: From Strategic Necessity to Regional Opportunity Ethiopia’s pursuit of sovereign sea access also remained an important part of the country’s development discourse. For Africa’s second-most populous country, which is landlocked, access to maritime trade routes carries significant economic implications for logistics, trade competitiveness, industrialization and regional connectivity. Fethi Mahdi, Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, told ENA that Ethiopia’s demand for sea access extends beyond cargo handling and transshipment. He emphasized that the issue has a broader economic foundation, citing United Nations studies indicating that landlocked countries can face significant economic disadvantages compared with countries that have direct access to the sea. Ethiopia has repeatedly framed its quest for sea access around sovereign access, mutual benefit, peaceful dialogue and partnership with neighboring countries. The emphasis is increasingly shifting from the question of access alone to the larger economic possibilities that maritime connectivity could unlock for the Horn of Africa: expanded trade, integrated infrastructure, investment, industrial corridors and stronger regional markets. In this sense, Ethiopia’s maritime ambition can potentially become not only a national economic project but also an opportunity for regional economic integration and shared prosperity. Thailand-Ethiopia Ties Gain Strategic Momentum Ethiopia’s diplomatic engagement also gained momentum during the week with the official visit of Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow. The visit reflected Thailand’s interest in deepening its bilateral relationship with Ethiopia while expanding its engagement with Africa through the African Union, headquartered in Addis Ababa. Phuangketkeow said his visit had two strategic objectives: strengthening Thailand’s partnership with Ethiopia and broadening Thailand’s engagement with Africa through the AU. The development points to Addis Ababa’s continuing importance as a diplomatic bridge between Africa and the wider world. Beyond traditional political relations, Ethiopia and Thailand have opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, technology, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and connectivity, potentially linking Southeast Asian expertise and markets with Africa’s growing economic opportunities. The relationship therefore carries significance beyond bilateral diplomacy, particularly as both sides seek new partnerships in an increasingly interconnected global economy. Ethiopia Pushes Youth-Centered Growth Through BRICS Ethiopia also used the BRICS platform to advance its economic and development priorities, calling for stronger investment in Africa’s young population. At the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting in Visakhapatnam, India, the Ethiopian delegation called for dedicated financing mechanisms for youth-led enterprises and greater investment in digital and green technologies. With more than 70 percent of Ethiopia’s population under the age of 30, the delegation emphasized that young people should be viewed not simply as beneficiaries of development but as drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, productivity and economic transformation. The call for dedicated financing and joint investment reflects Ethiopia’s broader push to connect its youthful population with emerging opportunities in technology, green development and entrepreneurship. A Week Defined by Development and Diplomacy Taken together, the week offered a snapshot of Ethiopia’s increasingly interconnected development agenda. Hosting Africa’s leading health forum reinforced Addis Ababa’s role as a center of continental diplomacy. Discussions over the Abay River highlighted Ethiopia’s determination to expand energy and water-resource development. The pursuit of sea access underscored the economic importance of maritime connectivity, while engagement with Thailand and BRICS demonstrated Ethiopia’s effort to diversify partnerships and mobilize new opportunities for investment, technology and trade. These developments point toward a broader strategic vision in which development, diplomacy and economic integration increasingly reinforce one another. For Ethiopia, the challenge ahead is not simply to pursue national development objectives, but to translate them into platforms for cooperation that can generate benefits beyond its borders. The Abay River can become a foundation for energy and economic transformation; improved maritime connectivity can strengthen regional trade; health cooperation can build continental resilience; and youth investment can drive the next generation of African growth. Ultimately, Ethiopia’s evolving development narrative is increasingly about turning strategic geography and natural resources into engines of economic opportunity—while building partnerships capable of converting regional challenges into shared solutions.

By Staff Writer August 30, 2026 The final week of August was marked by intensifying geopolitical competition, continuing wars, humanitarian emergencies, economic uncertainty and devastating natural disasters. From the Middle East and Europe to Africa, Asia and Latin America, governments confronted a series of crises that demonstrated the increasingly interconnected nature of global security, economics, public health and climate change. The Middle East remained at the center of international attention as the United States intensified economic pressure on Iran while diplomatic efforts continued to ease tensions surrounding the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. In Europe, Russia's-Ukraine war remained intense despite renewed diplomatic contacts involving Washington and Moscow. Africa faced several overlapping challenges, including a worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, continuing conflict and infrastructure destruction in Sudan, and the deepening security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti. In Asia, China and India sought to maintain stability along their disputed border, while China continued to confront economic difficulties and growing international trade pressure. The global economy remained vulnerable to geopolitical developments. Oil markets responded to changing expectations over the situation around Hormuz, while concerns about inflation, debt, trade tensions and monetary policy continued to weigh on governments and investors. At the same time, severe natural disasters highlighted the growing vulnerability of communities to climate related risks. Catastrophic flooding in the Himalayan region caused extensive loss of life and destruction, while rescue teams struggled to reach affected communities. Middle East: Iran Crisis and the Struggle Over Hormuz The Middle East once again dominated the international agenda as the confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran continued to reshape regional security and global energy markets. Washington intensified its economic campaign against Tehran during the week, targeting entities and networks linked to Iran's economy and seeking to discourage other countries from maintaining significant commercial relations with the country. The United States also warned foreign governments and companies that continued economic engagement with Iran could expose them to secondary sanctions. The approach demonstrated Washington's attempt to combine economic pressure with diplomatic and strategic measures. However, Iran rejected the American pressure, describing the sanctions as hostile and insisting that such measures would not force Tehran to abandon its strategic interests. The most immediate international concern remained the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy and shipping corridor. The confrontation has disrupted normal commercial activity in the area and increased the risks and costs associated with transporting energy. Diplomatic efforts continued during the week to reduce tensions and create conditions for shipping to gradually return to normal. Qatar, Pakistan and Oman remained involved in efforts to maintain communication between the parties. The possibility of progress in diplomacy also influenced international energy markets, with oil prices easing as concerns about a prolonged disruption appeared to moderate. However, uncertainty remained because shipping activity through the waterway had not fully returned to normal. The significance of the crisis extends beyond oil. Disruption around Hormuz can increase shipping costs, insurance premiums, fertilizer prices and food costs, potentially adding to inflationary pressure in economies far from the Middle East. The conflict has also affected the strategic calculations of Gulf countries. Months of confrontation have raised questions about existing regional security arrangements and the ability of governments to protect critical infrastructure and international shipping routes. Gaza and the West Bank The humanitarian and security situation in the Palestinian territories remained deeply concerning. Despite efforts to maintain a ceasefire arrangement, violence continued in Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli military operations and clashes demonstrated the fragility of the ceasefire and the difficulty of achieving a lasting reduction in violence. The continuing insecurity has complicated international efforts to stabilize Gaza and establish a longer-term political framework. Disagreements over security, governance, disarmament and the future administration of Gaza continue to obstruct progress toward a durable settlement. In the West Bank, tensions involving Israeli settlers and Palestinian communities added another layer of instability. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned settler violence, while Washington also expressed strong criticism of attacks against Palestinians. The Gaza crisis continues to affect international diplomacy far beyond the Palestinian territories. It remains an important factor in Israel's relations with European governments, Arab states and the wider Muslim world, while also being closely connected to the broader confrontation involving Iran and other regional actors. Europe: Ukraine War and Renewed Diplomatic Contacts Russia's war against Ukraine continued to cause extensive destruction, with Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. One of the week's most serious incidents involved a powerful explosion near Kyiv after a Russian strike on an ammunition storage facility. The incident caused significant casualties and damage to nearby structures and prompted Ukrainian authorities to review ammunition storage procedures. The incident came amid continued Russian attacks against Ukrainian energy infrastructure, industrial facilities, ports and logistics centers as Ukraine prepares for another difficult winter. Ukraine also continued attacks against Russian energy and industrial infrastructure. The increasingly reciprocal targeting of economic and logistical facilities demonstrates that both sides are seeking to weaken the other's ability to sustain the war. Yet alongside the fighting, diplomatic activity showed signs of renewed movement. Ukrainian officials indicated that technical discussions could resume, although they cautioned against expecting an immediate breakthrough. Territorial control remains one of the most difficult issues separating Moscow and Kyiv, with Russia continuing to demand territorial concessions that Ukraine rejects. There were also reports of renewed contacts between Washington and Moscow concerning the possibility of high-level negotiations involving the leaders of the United States, Russia and Ukraine. The diplomatic developments have created an unusual contrast. On the battlefield, the conflict remains intense. At the diplomatic level, Washington is exploring possible channels for negotiations. Whether the two tracks can eventually converge remains uncertain. Russia continues to seek territorial concessions and security guarantees, while Ukraine insists on protecting its territorial integrity and obtaining stronger international security assurances. Africa One of Africa's most serious public health emergencies continued to unfold in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where an Ebola outbreak has expanded across several areas. The outbreak is particularly difficult to contain because it is occurring in communities affected by insecurity, displacement and limited health infrastructure. virus involved is the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, which presents particular challenges for health authorities because the medical tools available for some other Ebola strains are not directly applicable in the same way. The World Health Organization and African health institutions have intensified surveillance, contact tracing, treatment and community engagement efforts. Health authorities have emphasized that public cooperation is essential to controlling the outbreak. Mistrust, misinformation and insecurity can make it difficult for medical teams to identify cases, trace contacts and provide treatment. The spread of the outbreak also creates concerns for neighboring countries because population movements across borders can facilitate transmission. Uganda has made progress in controlling Ebola transmission, but its proximity to eastern Congo continues to present a risk. Other neighboring countries also face challenges because of population displacement and limited health infrastructure. The Congo outbreak is therefore not simply a national public health emergency. It represents a broader regional health security challenge requiring cooperation among Central and East African countries. Asia China and India took steps to reduce tensions along their disputed Himalayan border. Following high level discussions, the two governments reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability along the frontier. They also agreed to strengthen communication and continue efforts toward resolving their differences through dialogue. The development is significant because relations between the two Asian powers have been affected by years of border tensions. For Beijing and New Delhi, maintaining stability is increasingly important as both countries seek to concentrate on economic development while expanding their influence in international affairs. China remains one of India's most important economic partners, while India is seeking to strengthen its position in global manufacturing, technology and diplomacy. Improved communication could reduce the possibility of military incidents even though the underlying territorial disagreements remain unresolved. The Global Economy: Energy, Debt and Interest Rates The global economy demonstrated considerable resilience but remained vulnerable to geopolitical shocks. International economic institutions continued to warn that disruptions in energy markets could revive inflationary pressures. A sustained increase in energy prices would make it more difficult for central banks to reduce interest rates and could raise borrowing costs for governments, businesses and households. High public debt, trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty remain significant risks to the global economic outlook. Central banks therefore face a difficult balancing act. They must contain inflation without weakening economic activity at a time when governments are already carrying heavy debt burdens. Financial markets are closely watching developments in energy markets, interest rates, currencies and international trade. The Iran crisis has demonstrated once again how quickly a regional conflict can become a global economic issue. Japan and the Yen Currency markets also remained under pressure. The Japanese yen continued to trade weakly against the U.S. dollar, raising concerns about the wider effects of currency instability. Japanese authorities have previously taken measures to prevent disorderly movements in the currency, while U.S. officials have warned that sharp fluctuations could create instability in global financial markets. The yen's importance extends beyond Japan because the country is deeply integrated into international financial markets. Major currency movements can affect investment flows, government bond markets and international borrowing conditions. The situation also reflects broader uncertainty over monetary policy in the United States, Japan and Europe. Natural Disasters One of the week's most devastating natural disasters occurred in the Himalayan region along the Nepal China border. A major glacier related flood triggered destructive flows of water, mud and debris, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Communities were cut off as landslides destroyed roads and damaged infrastructure. Rescue operations were complicated by unstable terrain, continuing rainfall and difficult mountain conditions. Hydropower infrastructure was also affected, while some people were believed to have become trapped in tunnels connected to development projects. China and Nepal mobilized rescue teams and requested additional technical assistance as authorities attempted to reach isolated communities and identify missing people. The disaster has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Himalayan communities to glacier instability and climate change. Mountain regions are particularly exposed to sudden flooding, landslides and other hazards associated with changing temperatures and unstable glacial systems. The tragedy also demonstrates how climate related disasters are increasingly connected to infrastructure, food security, energy supply and regional development. Climate and Environmental Pressure The week also highlighted the broader climate pressures facing different parts of the world. Wildfires, heatwaves, floods and extreme weather events continue to place pressure on governments and emergency services across Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. Developing countries face particular difficulties because their emergency response systems often have fewer resources and their populations may have less capacity to recover from disasters. Climate change is also placing growing pressure on agriculture, water resources and public health. For Africa, the combination of conflict, food insecurity and climate shocks presents especially serious risks. Drought, flooding and extreme heat can quickly transform local economic difficulties into humanitarian emergencies. The challenge for governments is therefore not simply responding to individual disasters but strengthening resilience before disasters occur. International Trade and the G20 Global economic diplomacy is receiving greater attention as governments prepare for discussions under the G20 framework. Issues including global growth, trade imbalances, sovereign debt, supply chains and access to critical resources are expected to remain central to international economic discussions. The meetings come at a time when economic relations are increasingly influenced by geopolitical competition. The United States is pushing for what it describes as fair competition and more balanced trade relations. China faces criticism over its export driven economic model, while Europe is concerned about competitiveness, energy security and its economic relationship with Washington. Developing countries are seeking greater access to markets, investment, technology and affordable financing. The central question is whether the G20 can continue to provide a platform for cooperation at a time when major powers are increasingly pursuing competing economic and strategic interests. Technology and Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence remained an important driver of the global economy. Investment in AI infrastructure, advanced computing and robotics continued to expand even as some traditional manufacturing sectors faced difficulties. The United States remains a major center of AI investment, while China is rapidly expanding its capabilities in artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced manufacturing. China's robotics industry received particular attention during the week as Beijing hosted a major international robotics event showcasing advances in automation and industrial technology. The competition over AI is increasingly connected to semiconductor production, electricity generation, data centers and national security. Governments increasingly view advanced computing as a strategic asset rather than simply a commercial technology. This is creating a new form of international competition in which economic policy, industrial policy, technological development and national security are becoming increasingly interconnected. Latin America: Venezuela Latin America witnessed significant political and economic developments during the week, with an emerging energy relationship between Venezuela and the United States standing out as one of the most consequential. Washington’s reported agreement to give American companies a major role in developing Venezuela’s oil resources could mark a significant shift in relations between the two countries and open a new phase of economic engagement. The development comes as Venezuela seeks to revive its oil industry after years of underinvestment, economic difficulties, international sanctions, political instability and deteriorating infrastructure. Despite possessing some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela has struggled to maintain production capacity and fully capitalize on its petroleum resources. If implemented successfully, greater involvement by U.S. companies could bring much needed investment, technology and technical expertise to Venezuela’s energy sector. A recovery in Venezuelan oil production could also increase supplies to international markets and contribute to greater flexibility in global energy trade. For Washington, the arrangement carries both economic and strategic significance. Additional Venezuelan oil supplies could provide an alternative source of crude at a time when global energy markets remain vulnerable to disruptions linked to conflicts and instability in the Middle East. Closer energy ties with Caracas could also give the United States greater influence over Venezuela’s economic trajectory and its engagement with the wider Western Hemisphere. For Venezuela, renewed access to Western investment and technology could accelerate the rehabilitation of its petroleum infrastructure, increase export earnings and provide additional government revenue. However, the prospects for a sustained recovery will depend on political stability, the legal and regulatory framework governing foreign investment, sanctions policy and the ability of companies to rebuild production infrastructure that has deteriorated over many years. The development also has wider geopolitical implications. Venezuela has maintained close economic and political relationships with countries such as China and Russia. A stronger economic relationship with the United States could therefore alter Venezuela’s external partnerships and influence the broader balance of power in the Western Hemisphere. The emerging U.S. Venezuela energy relationship nevertheless faces considerable uncertainties. Questions remain over the implementation of the agreement, the scale and speed of potential investment, the future of sanctions and Venezuela’s domestic political environment. Restoring the country’s oil industry to substantially higher production levels will also require significant capital, infrastructure rehabilitation and sustained technical investment. Beyond Venezuela, Latin American governments continued to confront a range of longstanding challenges, including migration, organized crime, economic inequality, weak institutions and political polarization. Haiti’s worsening security situation remained a major regional concern, while governments across the continent continued to balance domestic economic pressures with demands for greater social stability and public security. The developments underscore the increasingly interconnected nature of Latin America’s political, economic and energy affairs. Venezuela’s oil recovery, in particular, could have consequences extending beyond its borders, affecting regional diplomacy, U.S. energy policy and global oil markets. Conclusion The final week of August offered little evidence that the world's major crises are nearing resolution. Instead, it revealed a global system under simultaneous pressure from war, economic rivalry, humanitarian emergencies, public health threats and climate related disasters. Yet there were also signs of diplomacy and cooperation. China and India renewed efforts to stabilize their border relationship. International mediators continued working to reduce tensions around Hormuz. Washington explored renewed diplomatic contacts over Ukraine. International health organizations intensified efforts to contain Ebola in Congo. Rescue teams in the Himalayan region continued working to reach communities affected by catastrophic flooding. The central challenge for the international community is therefore not simply to manage individual crises but to prevent them from reinforcing one another. Energy insecurity can deepen inflation. Inflation can increase social pressure. War can disrupt food and energy supplies. Climate disasters can intensify displacement. Displacement can place additional pressure on fragile states. Weak institutions can make countries more vulnerable to armed groups, disease and economic shocks. The events of this week demonstrate that the global order is entering a period in which security, economics, health, climate and technology are increasingly inseparable. As September begins, the direction of major conflicts and diplomatic initiatives will determine whether the international community moves toward greater stability or faces another period of escalation. Sources: The roundup draws on reporting and background information from Reuters, AP, BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, France 24, DW, The Guardian, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Financial Times, Bloomberg, CNBC, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal.

Addis Ababa, August 30, 2026 (ENA) —Thailand is seeking to deepen its strategic engagement with Ethiopia and expand its partnership with Africa, with Addis Ababa emerging as a key bridge between Southeast Asia and the African continent, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow told ENA. Following his official visit to Ethiopia, Phuangketkeow said his visit to Addis Ababa had two strategic objectives: strengthening Thailand’s bilateral relationship with Ethiopia and expanding Thailand’s engagement with Africa through the African Union (AU), whose headquarters are located in the Ethiopian capital. “Today, after my meeting with the foreign minister of your country, we sign an MOU establishing regular political consultations at the high level between our two countries. So this will help give us the political impetus. It will underscore the political will and give us the impetus to enhance the other dimensions of our relations,” he added. Elaborating on elevating the political engagement of Ethiopia and Thailand, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister stated that the two countries signed a MoU to establish regular high-level political consultations, giving fresh momentum to bilateral ties. The mechanism would reinforce political commitment and provide new impetus for cooperation across multiple areas. “More contacts at the high level and more exchange of visits” are essential to strengthening ties, he noted. Thailand has also decided to establish an embassy in Addis Ababa with a resident ambassador who will represent Thailand in Ethiopia while also serving as the country’s representative to the African Union.   The move marks a significant step in Thailand’s effort to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Africa and use Addis Ababa as a platform for broader engagement with the continent. Against this backdrop, Thailand is advancing its Thailand-Africa Initiative, aimed at deepening economic, political and development partnerships with African countries. Thailand is reaching out to new partners while also strengthening long-standing relationships, he elaborated. Recognizing Africa’s growing economic and geopolitical weight, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said, “we need to reach out to new friends, new partners, and even partners that we have known for a long time. We think that we can do much more together”. Phuangketkeow underscored that Africa is no longer viewed through the lens of its past, but as a continent of rising economies and an increasingly influential force in global affairs. “Africa is not like the past anymore. Many of the African countries are emerging economies; and Africa is an important and strong voice in the Global South.” Stressing Addis Ababa as a bridge between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that has 11 member states and Africa, Phuangketkeow said Ethiopia and Thailand can play an important role in building stronger bridges between the African Union and ASEAN. With Timor-Leste becoming ASEAN’s 11th member, the Southeast Asian bloc represents a market and political grouping of nearly 700 million people. As both the ASEAN and the AU expand their influence in global affairs, the DPM and Minister pointed out that stronger interregional cooperation is increasingly important in addressing shared global challenges. “We need to build bridges within regions and bridges across regions,” he said. The DPM and Minister identified safeguarding the rules-based international order, preserving free trade and strengthening the multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization (WTO) as key areas where ASEAN and African countries can work more closely. Phuangketkeow warned that the increasing use of tariffs and bilateral trade pressure as instruments of leverage could undermine the multilateral trading system. The Thai Deputy PM and foreign minister also welcomed Ethiopia’s progress toward joining the WTO, describing deeper integration into the international trading system as beneficial to Ethiopia’s economic development. He said WTO accession would encourage Ethiopia to engage more actively with international trade rules and the global economy.   Thailand, he added, is interested in expanding bilateral trade and investment while sharing its development experience with Ethiopia, particularly in industrialization and agricultural value addition. “We want to see more economic ties, greater trade and more investment,” Phuangketkeow said. He emphasized that stronger economic growth in Ethiopia would create greater opportunities for businesses from both countries.

Addis Ababa, August 30, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended his condolences to His Majesty King Haakon VIII, the successor of the late Norwegian king, to the royal family, to the government, and to the people of Norway on the passing of His Majesty King Harald V. The Premier wrote: “On behalf of the Government and People of Ethiopia, I extend our heartfelt condolences to His Majesty King Haakon VIII, the Royal Family, the Government, and the People of Norway on the passing of His Majesty King Harald V.” PM Abiy noted that Norway is a steadfast partner to Ethiopia and Ethiopia stands with the Norwegian people in this time of loss.

Addis Ababa, August 30, 2026 (ENA) —The strong comparative advantages of Ethiopia and Thailand provide a solid foundation for expanding trade and investment partnerships, according to Arthayudh Srisamoot, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Speaking to ENA, Srisamoot emphasized that Ethiopia’s large, youthful population, abundant natural resources, and growing workforce offer significant opportunities for Thai investors. Thailand, with a population under 70 million, faces an aging demographic and limited population growth. This makes countries like Ethiopia, with a large and dynamic labor force, increasingly attractive for Thai investment, he added. “Ethiopia has a large population and most of the population is very young, very dynamic,” Srisamoot said, identifying the country’s workforce as one of its major investment advantages. The official praised Ethiopia’s hospitality, workforce efficiency, communication skills and ability to adapt to international working environments as qualities that could encourage greater foreign investment.   According to him, Ethiopia’s natural resources and economic assets, including gold, iron ore, agricultural products, coffee and hydropower, are areas offering substantial opportunities for cooperation. In addition, Ethiopia’s relatively low cost of electricity and educated workforce are additional advantages that could support investment and industrial development. At the same time, he stressed that further improvements in the ease of doing business would be important to attracting more Thai investment. The Advisor said such reforms could include simplifying procedures for foreign companies to establish businesses, transfer capital into the country, bring in managers and technical experts, introduce technology and repatriate profits. Clearer rules governing partnerships between foreign and Ethiopian companies, as well as greater clarity on sectors open to foreign investment, would also help investors make informed decisions. Srisamoot elaborated that Thai companies are particularly interested in sectors where Thailand has established expertise, especially food production, manufacturing and small and medium-size enterprises. “These are areas that we are interested to invest in Ethiopia,” he said. The Advisor expressed optimism that closer cooperation between the two governments and business communities could help unlock the significant investment and trade potential between Ethiopia and Thailand. Srisamoot emphasized that Thailand’s extensive experience in exports, manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure development and domestic consumption has given its companies expertise that could complement Ethiopia’s investment potential.   Thailand is a major producer and exporter of agricultural and manufactured products and has developed into a regional hub for the automobile and electronics industries. Thai companies also work closely with international partners in areas including machinery, manufacturing and agricultural technology, he noted. In this regard, “we have a lot to offer the Ethiopian business community,” Srisamoot said. He also stressed the need for continued efforts to improve market access and facilitate the movement of capital, technology and businesspeople between the two countries. “We’re hoping to work with the Ethiopian side on how we can provide better market access, better joint partnerships and investment between the two countries.”   Srisamoot recalled that existing trade between Ethiopia and Thailand, which he described as approaching 1 billion U.S. dollars, remains below the level that could be achieved given the size of the two economies and Ethiopia’s strategic position in Africa. He underscored that stronger institutional cooperation, improved investment conditions and expanded business to business ties could help the two countries translate their complementary economic strengths into greater trade and investment.