Addis Ababa, June 14, 2025 (POA)— U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart President Vladimir Putin held a 50-minute phone call Saturday to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East and Ukraine peace talks, the White House and Kremlin confirmed. In a statement released by the White House, Trump said Putin called him on Saturday to "wish me a Happy Birthday, but to more importantly, talk about Iran, a country he knows very well." "We talked at length. Much less time was spent talking about Russia/Ukraine, but that will be for next week," Trump said, adding that the call lasted "approximately 1 hour." "He feels, as I do, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end." Trump did not provide additional details about the call. Putin's foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said that during the conversation, Putin briefed Trump on his recent talks with the leaders of Israel and Iran leaders of Iran and reiterated Russia's proposal to seek mutually acceptable solutions on the Iranian nuclear issue.

Addis Ababa, June 14, 2025 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the government is working with firm commitment towards achieving lasting peace in Ethiopia. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held discussion with teachers from all over Ethiopia. Speaking during the discussion, the premier explained the activities underway to ensure peace in Ethiopia. Among the activities, he recalled the government’s significant steps in institutionalizing peace by establishing the Ministry of Peace, striving further to relentlessly resolve differences with armed groups. Noting the refusal of some of the groups to accept the peace call and the gesture extended by the extended, he stressed that they should realize that there is no other course than dialogue and discussion to bring peace.   The PM pointed out that the government has clearly demonstrated its commitment to peace by not only accepting the militants who accepted the call and surrendered peacefully, but also by allowing them to participate in Ethiopian politics. For the sake of peace in Ethiopia, the door is open for all who want to solve problems through discussion and to those who believe that they have better idea, he elaborated. The government would however continue to take law enforcement measures against forces that resort to violence, including taking hostages and closing schools, he added.   According to him, the Pretoria Agreement is tangible evidence to the determination of the government’s commitment to peace. Ethiopia needs peace, the PM declared, adding that the government is working with determination towards that goal. He finally stressed that the government will jointly work with all peace-seeking forces by involving them in the peace building process.

Addis Ababa, June 13, 2025 (ENA)—The United Nations Security Council met in emergency session over Iran-Israel conflict, amid strikes and counterstrikes. Iran launched retaliatory airstrikes at Israel on Friday night, with explosions heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the country's two biggest cities, following Israel's biggest-ever military strike against Tehran. Air raid sirens sounded across Israel as authorities urged the public to take shelter. Missiles were seen over Tel Aviv's skyline, with the military saying Iran had fired two salvos. In the Tel Aviv area, Israel's ambulance service said dozens of people were treated for shrapnel injuries. Live footage of Tel Aviv showed what appeared to be a missile hitting an urban area. The unprecedented Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent Iranian retaliation raised concerns about a broader regional conflagration. Iran's state news agency IRNA said Tehran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel after Israel blasted Iran's huge Natanz underground nuclear site and killed its top military commanders. Israel's military said Iran fired fewer than 100 missiles and most were intercepted or fell short.

Addis Ababa, June 13, 2025 (ENA) -- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, today lauded Ethiopia's "Makatet" refugee inclusion policy as a significant stride towards sustainable refugee solutions globally urging the international community to uphold its shared responsibility in supporting refugee-hosting nations like Ethiopia. Speaking at a high-level event, Grandi emphasized Ethiopia's long-standing generosity and leadership in implementing forward-looking policies for refugees. The High Commissioner, a frequent visitor to Ethiopia, acknowledged the country's unique position in a troubled region, consistently receiving significant refugee flows. "Ethiopia has always been, I remember from my very young days when I was a field officer in this region... a very generous host, " he commended. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees also noted about Ethiopia’s evolution of approaches in hosting refugees.   "I have seen not only the generosity continues, but I have also seen a very, very forward-looking policies and approaches towards refugees grow. And I have seen them grow in a very pioneering way," he said. Grandi highlighted Ethiopia's instrumental role in the establishment of the Global Compact on Refugees in 2018, co-convening the first Global Refugee Forum in 2019. Ethiopia has been an exemplary nation in applying the principles of the Global Compact, particularly through its inclusive 'Makatet' approach, he stressed. "When you have this combination of resources and policies, it works. And this is what has happened in Ethiopia and this is what this approach that you call Makatet (inclusion) represents," Grandi affirmed. The UNHCR commissioner specifically praised the breadth of the Makatet initiative, which extends beyond traditional services like health and education to include work opportunities, proper documentation, digital connectivity, and land allocations for settlements, moving away from conventional camp settings.   Grandi commended Ethiopia's "all-of-government" approach to refugee matters, noting the presence of various state ministers at the event. While acknowledging the many challenges that remain, Grandi underscored the significant progress made, citing the 2019 Proclamation as a global positive example in refugee policies. He shared a personal experience, recalling his visit to Melkadida in Ethiopia as one of his "brightest moments" in nearly ten years as High Commissioner. " Melkadida is an extraordinary experiment in new approaches, on how to deal with refugees while supporting the host communities, he stated. The High Commissioner concluded by urging the international community to uphold its shared responsibility in supporting refugee-hosting nations like Ethiopia, emphasizing the need for continued financial and development support.   He particularly highlighted the World Bank's crucial role in this new track of aid, integrating refugee support into broader development initiatives. "There is here a new track of aid that is emerging, which I think is very, very important," Grandi observed, emphasizing that the "nexus" between humanitarian and development aid is actively happening in Ethiopia. He encouraged Ethiopia to share the 'Makatet' model with other countries and apply similar inclusive approaches to address its challenges of internal displacement. Finally, he expressed his profound gratitude to Ethiopia: "Thank you very much, Ethiopia, and when I say Ethiopia, I say all of it, not just the government. Thank you very much, Ethiopia, for what you're doing".

Addis Ababa, June 13, 2025 (ENA)— Ethiopia's quest for sea outlet is fair, ensures mutual benefits, and based on the future needs of its citizens, scholars emphasized. Despite having East Africa's largest population and fast-growing economy, the country's landlocked status has challenged its growth. Studies show that countries with sea outlets record two to three percent annual economic growth. This shows that its lack of sea access not only constrains the economy but also carries significant strategic implications. Institute of Foreign Affairs lead researcher Amare Kenaw told ENA that the issue of sea outlet is more than economic benefit. According to him, securing access to sea is crucial and of paramount importance to a country's sovereignty and security.   Ethiopia's quest for sea outlet is just, promotes mutual benefit, and is driven by the long-term needs of its populace. The scholar further noted that Ethiopia's quest for sea access peacefully has recently garnered support from various international institutions and policymakers, given its proximity to the Red Sea. Ethiopia closely monitors regional activities due to its proximity to the sea, he added. The lead researcher recalled that the Institute of Foreign Affairs has been actively engaged in creating awareness about the issue and forwarding recommendations. Amare expressed optimism that the country's fair and existential plea for sea access will be addressed soon. Therefore, the nation will continue to exert peaceful pressure for its sea-access quest to be resolved in a manner that respects neighboring countries' interests and ensures mutual benefit. On his part, Addis Ababa University Academic Affairs Vice President Jeilu Omar said Ethiopia's quest for seaport, grounded in the principle of give and take, is appropriate and feasible.   Institutions of higher learning need to produce documents based on research and studies substantiating the critical importance of this issue, he added. Furthermore, Jeilu emphasized the role of these institutions in educating the younger generation to ensure that they are well-informed about the matter.

Addis Ababa, June 13, 2025 (ENA)— UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned "any military escalation in the Middle East," said Farhan Haq, his deputy spokesperson, in a statement on Israel's strikes against Iran on Thursday local time. The UN chief "is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear program are underway," the statement said. Noting UN member states are obliged to act in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, the secretary-general urged both sides to show maximum restraint and avoid at all costs a descent into deeper conflict -- a situation that the region can hardly afford, the statement added.   Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran. Israeli Defense Forces confirmed in a statement that its jets have completed the first-stage attack, notably strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran. Iran's IRIB state TV reported explosions in areas of the capital of Tehran and counties of Natanz, Khondab and Khorramabad. Multiple casualties, including women and children, were reported in a residential building in Tehran, according to the state TV.

Addis Ababa, June 13, 2025 (ENA)—In a dynamic and unpredictable global circumstances, multifaceted and coordinated diplomatic efforts need to be carried out to protect Ethiopia's national interests, Foreign Affairs State Minister Ambassador Hadera Abera stated. The state minister made the remarks while opening a training program for public diplomacy members. The program was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs of the House of People's Representatives.   State Minister Hadera underscored the country's commitment to achieving national development and prosperity through comprehensive domestic economic reforms. He emphasized that stakeholders must work in concert to attract foreign trade and investment, strengthening international partnerships, build the country’s image, as well as protect the rights of citizens abroad, and above all safeguard the national interests. “In today’s volatile global landscape, Ethiopia must intensify its multifaceted and well-coordinated diplomatic engagements to defend its core national interests,” he stressed. He noted Ethiopia’s leadership role in promoting peace and stability across the continent in the spirit of Pan-Africanism, and called for continued efforts to forge and expand strategic partnerships that respect the country’s sovereignty and priorities.   He also emphasized the role of public diplomacy in promoting Ethiopia's global image, as the cradle of humanity, a stronghold of ancient civilization, a symbol of African freedom, and a diverse and united society. Finally, the state minister called on Ethiopians at home and abroad to contribute to the country's foreign policy objectives, noting that diplomacy is a shared responsibility that goes beyond the efforts of the government.

Addis Ababa, June 13, 2025 (POA)—The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expresses grave concern over reports of an Israeli airstrike on Iran and the ensuing escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. In its statement, the African Union said the Chairperson calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint. He pointed out that the current developments pose a serious threat to international peace and security. The African Union reiterates its steadfast commitment to peace, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Addis Ababa, June 13, 2025 (ENA) -- The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has celebrated its Golden Jubilee in Addis Ababa. The 50th year anniversary of ECOWAS was celebrated under the theme "Stronger Together for a Brighter Future." The golden jubilee is said to provide a moment to look back on five decades of co-operation, and more crucially, to map a path forward in an era fraught with uncertainty. Formed in May 1975, ECOWAS has long been hailed as one of Africa’s more cohesive and functional regional blocs. Over the years, it has helped facilitate trade, mobility, and political dialogue across West Africa.

Addis Ababa, June 12, 2025 (ENA) — Finland will enhance its partnership with Ethiopia across various sectors, Foreign Affairs Minister Elina Valtonen told ENA. Recently, a group of African journalists visited Finland upon the invitation of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In an interview with ENA, Foreign Minister Valtonen noted the strong bilateral ties between Ethiopia and Finland. The foreign minister stated that Finland is exploring all avenues to further enhance cooperation with Ethiopia, with focus on trade and investment. The development cooperation includes key areas such as education, rural development, and economic partnerships. Ethiopia is one of Finland's long-term partners in development cooperation. Foreign Minister Valtonen expressed her country's interest in exploring further avenues for the partnership with Ethiopia. Anne Lamila, Ambassador-at-Large for Strategic Communications at the Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs on her part said that the media visit aimed not only to inform journalists about Finland but also to strengthen Finland’s ties with African countries. Ambassador Lamila noted that Finland maintained its strategic partnerships with the African Union and African nations, she added. Finland, often called the land of happy people, is a Northern European country recognized for its trustworthy taxpayers and efficient social welfare programs. The country has been ranked as the happiest country in the world by the United Nations for eight consecutive years. Finnish citizens enjoy a high level of happiness due to a strong social safety net, environmental protection, gender equality, family-friendly policies, and free education. The diplomatic relations between the two countries dates back to 1959.

Addis Ababa, June 12, 2025 (ENA)— The number of people forcibly displaced by war, violence, and persecution has hit a record 122.1 million, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) revealed Thursday in its annual Global Trends report. The figures mark consecutive year of rising global displacement, underscoring a deepening humanitarian crisis, and up by about 2 million from last year and a near-doubling over the last decade. The surge, up from 120 million a year ago, is being driven by protracted and intensifying conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine, as well as a growing inability to resolve ongoing violence and protect civilians. UNHCR said the international community’s failure to end these wars is compounding suffering on an unprecedented scale. UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi nonetheless pointed to some “rays of hope” over the last six months, including the return home of nearly 2 million Syrians as their country tries to recover from more than a decade of civil war. The findings come as the refugee agency released its Global Trends Report on Thursday, which said the number of people driven abroad or displaced in their home countries by war, violence and persecution as of April rose to 122.1 million, up from 120 million a year earlier. Among those, the numbers of internally displaced people jumped by more than 9% to 73.5 million at the end of last year. The numbers represent cumulative figures from years of conflict, violence and persecution, and some displaced people returned home last year even as others fled. The report comes at a time when humanitarian groups are facing budget cuts from the United States and other traditional Western donors. UNHCR said nearly two-thirds of people who crossed national borders to flee remained in neighboring countries, countering the “widespread perception in wealthier regions” that a majority of people were fleeing in a bid to reach places like Europe or the United States. The agency said Sudan, which has been riven by civil war, has become home to the world's largest displacement crisis, with more than 14 million people displaced by the conflict — surpassing Syria, at 13.5 million. More than 10 million in Afghanistan have been forcibly displaced, and some 8.8 million within or from Ukraine, UNHCR said.

Addis Ababa, June 12, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia’s parliamentary diplomacy has made notable progress over the past four years, significantly strengthening international relations and safeguarding the nation’s strategic interests, according to Ambassador Dina Mufti. Ambassador Dina, a member of the House of People’s Representatives Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs, and Chairperson of the Ethiopia-EU/Western Europe Parliamentary Friendship Group, shared insights with ENA on the wide-ranging diplomatic engagements carried out by the House in recent years. He noted that the House has actively engaged with countries across Africa, Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, and other regions. These efforts, he said, have been focused on political, economic, social, and security cooperation through structured dialogues and experience-sharing forums within parliamentary friendship groups. “These exchanges have played a vital role in reinforcing Ethiopia’s global relationships and in protecting our national interests,” Ambassador Dina emphasized. Highlighting regional diplomacy, he pointed to Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen ties with neighboring countries through mutual cooperation and dialogue. He stated that Ethiopia continues to advocate for regional integration and strategic partnerships that promote shared development and stability. The Ambassador also underscored Ethiopia’s proactive stance in promoting its domestic reforms and achievements on various international platforms and highlighted the country’s green development initiatives and its ongoing contribution to global climate action, which have been positively received in international forums. Ethiopia has also shared its experiences with peer countries in key areas such as urban development, infrastructure corridor creation, and agricultural strategies aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency, he added. Reflecting on the past four years, Ambassador Dina acknowledged the challenges Ethiopia has faced, alongside notable achievements and he credited parliamentary diplomacy as a pivotal instrument in navigating both. Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, he reiterated that the project poses no harm to any country and is designed to provide substantial benefits to neighboring and downstream nations. Ambassador Dina reaffirmed that Ethiopia will continue to strengthen diplomatic relations that protect its national interests, especially in light of the changing global political landscape. He also called for greater collaboration among civil society, the media, and individual citizens to support national interests through unity and shared responsibility.

Addis Ababa, June 12, 2025 (ENA) -- Chairperson of the AU Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf met with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi this morning. On the occasion, the two sides exchanged views on the regional displacement context and reaffirmed the imperative for coherent & coordinated regional & international responses. The Chairperson welcomed UNHCR’s continued partnership with the AU. They both underscored the importance of development-driven, sustainable approaches that empower displaced populations and promote self-reliance, while calling on international partners & governments to enhance their support.

Addis Ababa, June 12, 2025 (ENA) - Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated we convened teachers from across the nation today to hear their concerns and gather their input for planning purposes as part of our ongoing dialogue with various sectors. “Following our discussion with different sectors, today we have discussed with teachers from all over Ethiopia listening to issues and taking ideas that will be useful for our planning work,” PM Abiy shared on his social media page.  

Addis Ababa, June 12, 2025 (ENA) - Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vahan Kostanyan underscored that his country has been seeking stronger ties with Ethiopia rooted in unique historical friendship. During his recent official visit to Ethiopia, Kostanyan spoke to ENA, highlighting the century-old friendship and strong bilateral ties between Ethiopia and Armenian. According to him, relations between the Ethiopian and Armenian peoples date back to the 4th century, and today, the two countries continue to enjoy a growing and enduring friendship. In particular, the Deputy Foreign Minister specifically noted that the legacy of the Armenian people remains visibly present in Addis Ababa. Though now small in number, the Armenian community in Ethiopia has a centuries-old presence, originally drawn to the country—especially Addis Ababa—as traders and artisans. The Armenian community flourished, becoming trusted members of Ethiopian society, it was learned.   To this effect, Kostanyan said the legacy of Armenian people is quite present in Addis Ababa and Armenians of different professions including jewelers, musicians and traders. “I do believe they (Armenians) supported the development of Ethiopia. we already have 32 years of diplomatic correlations between Armenia and Ethiopia……And we do a unique chance to build on the historical friendship of our two nations to strengthen bilateral interstate,” he said. The Deputy FM further elaborated that Ethiopia and Armenia have still tremendous potentials they would offer to each other and exert a maximum efforts in this direction.   “The political consultations and the discussions that I had with the senior officials of Ethiopia during the last two days show that there is a great potential for our interstate relations to be strengthened in different areas, be it political, be it economic, be it on education, high tech, etc.” Considering his visit as a significant diplomatic gesture, the Deputy Foreign Minister pointed out that Ethiopia and Armenia have been deepening their bilateral relation in the spheres of culture, education, high tech and healthcare. For instance, he pointed out that Armenia has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia to deepen the science, cultural and education cooperation. “I would also like to mention that just two weeks ago a quite high-level delegation led by our Deputy Minister of Culture and Science and Education was in Addis Ababa with the representatives of different cultural and educational institutes. Some memorandums of understanding were signed during the visit which already framed the potential cooperation between the two countries.”   Moreover, Ethiopia and Armenia currently held political consultations and exchanged views on having an intergovernmental commission which will have a more holistic look to cooperation in different areas. The political consultations touched upon regional issues in Horn of Africa, the wider African continent as well as global affairs, the Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated. The consultation also emphasized the need for reinforcing multilateralism as the two countries are active members of international organizations including the UN, he noted.

Addis Ababa, June 12, 2025 (ENA) - The House of People's Representatives has approved the appointments of the vice chairperson and members of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). During its 36th regular session today, the House appointed Tesfaye Neway as Vice Chairperson of NEBE and Teklit Yemesel and Nesim Ali as board members with majority vote and two abstentions.  

Addis Ababa, June 11, 2025 (ENA)— Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos met with Wang Yi, the Foreign Minister of China on the margins of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). During the occasion, Minister Gedion highlighted the notable progress that has been made in strengthening Ethiopia-China All-Weather Strategic Partnership and implementing the FOCAC Ten Partnership Actions. Gedion also conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to President Xi Jinping of China, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The minister further elaborated that Ethiopia and China have been witnessing notable progress in their All-Weather Strategic Partnership and the implementation of the FOCAC Ten Partnership Actions put forward by President Xi Jinping during the 2024 Beijing Summit. An enhanced Ethiopia-China partnership combined with increased coordination in South-South, BRICS, UN and other multilateral cooperation platforms has become exemplary. Gedion noted that the inauguration of the tripartite center of excellence by China-Africa-UNIDO in Addis Ababa will contribute for faster modernization of Africa and further consolidation of Africa-China cooperation. On his part Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi noted the importance of translating the common understandings of the two leaders into outcomes, adding that tangible progress has been made in implementing FOCAC Action Plan. Wang Yi said Ethiopia and China as important members of the Global South and BRICS should advance common development. He added that China sees Ethiopia as a reliable partner and friend, emphasizing that China wishes to consolidate the partnership for greater development. Both ministers further agreed to expedite the implementation of FOCAC Action Plan as well as strengthen communication and coordination at multilateral settings to uphold common interests and amplify the voice of Africa and the Global South.

Addis Ababa, June 10, 2025 (ENA) -- Armenia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vahan Kostanyan lauded Addis Ababa’s massive infrastructure development to transform the city, stressing the need for deepening cooperation with Ethiopia across multiple sector. Approached by ENA, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is in Ethiopia for an official working visit, expressed his deep impression over the remarkable progress of the Ethiopian capital under corridor development initiative.   Addis Ababa, which is also the political capital of Africa, has been rapidly advancing its Corridor Development Project, which aimed at uplifting the image of the city by meeting international smart city standards.   "I'm spending a great time in this lovely city of Addis Ababa. And I'm very happy and amazed to see the development and the big construction in the city," Kostanyan said. Moreover, the deputy minister emphasized that Ethiopia and Armenia share long-standing bilateral relations that date back to the 3rd or 4th century. Particularly, the relationships between the two countries have been gaining momentum over the past decades, characterized by deepening cooperation in various fields, he stated. "We have already 32 years of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Ethiopia, I do believe that there is a unique chance to build on the historical friendship of our two nations, our two peoples, and to strengthen bilateral interstate relations." The deputy foreign minister also indicated that the two countries held political consultations and discussions during the last two days.   He added: "It shows that there is a great potential for our interstate relations to be strengthened in different areas, be it political, economic, education, high tech, etc." Ethiopia and Armenia have been seeking stronger cooperation in the spheres of education, high tech, and health-care, Kostanyan pointed out, noting that these are the areas where Armenian is championing. He further elaborated that the two countries also have commonalities and share various agendas including multilateralism and financing development agenda at the global arena. "There are different areas where the same LDCs group of countries can work and act together, be it Financing for Development Agenda, which now is very big priority in UN's multilateral social summit. The two countries have a very good potential to cooperate, citing the existing quite a good collaboration when it comes to multilateral fora."

Addis Ababa, June 10, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia and Armenia are bound by the profound historical connection and this shared relationship is a strong foundation for future cooperation, President Taye Atske Selassie noted. President Taye today received and held discussion with Armenia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vahan Kostanyan at his office. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed a message to President Taye from the Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan to visit Armenia.   The president told the deputy foreign affairs minister to actively encourage Armenian investors and business leaders to consider Ethiopia as a prime destination for investment, highlighting the potentials for economic collaboration. Deputy Foreign Minister Kostanyan, on his part, reiterated Armenia's keen interest in deepening the bilateral relationship, including in cultural domain. This emphasis on cultural exchange suggests a mutual desire to foster understanding and goodwill between the peoples of both countries beyond just economic and political ties. It is noted that the discussion has served as a platform to explore avenues for strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations.   Armenia's first embassy in Sub-Saharan Africa is located in Addis Ababa, underscoring the importance of their relationship, it was learnt. This strategic move signifies the importance it places on its relationship with Ethiopia and the broader African continent, recognizing Addis Ababa as a diplomatic hub. This exchange of high-level visits and the discussions reflect a concerted effort by both Ethiopia and Armenia to leverage their historical bonds and explore new avenues for mutual benefit across various sectors, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

Addis Ababa, June 10, 2025 (ENA) -- The 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum was held in Brasilia. Delegations from 16 countries, including BRICS members and invited states, took part in the event. Brazil was represented at the opening of the forum by Davi Alcolumbre, President of the Federal Senate (upper house) of the Brazilian National Congress, TV BRICS reported. In his speech, he called for reform of the international security architecture, strengthening of national health systems and the development of rules in the field of artificial intelligence. Alcolumbre recalled that BRICS countries account for 40 per cent of global GDP and separately noted the active participation of women parliamentarians in the forum, calling it an important achievement. Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin also delivered a speech. He outlined the priorities of Brazil's presidency of BRICS, including the formation of a pandemic response mechanism, the expansion of settlements in national currencies, and the financing of projects by the New Development Bank (NDB). Alckmin called for the strengthening of parliamentary ties and collective action in the areas of global security and health. Indonesia was represented at the forum by House of Representatives (DPR) legislator Mardani Ali Sera. He stressed the importance of deepening cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, finance and technology, and noted BRICS’ desire to strengthen multilateral cooperation. "In addition, BRICS member nations have been promoting the use of local currencies in trade among them as a strategic measure to bolster economic resilience," he pointed out. Deputy Head of Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) Hussein Fadluloh, in turn, said that Indonesia is interested in implementing joint projects on investment and technology transfer, especially in the context of the national policy on deep processing of raw materials. Belarus was represented at the forum by Sergey Rachkov, Chairperson of the Standing Commission of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus. He stated that the republic aims to become a full member of BRICS and is interested in expanding cooperation with the association in the areas of food, mechanical engineering, and agricultural technology. Rachkov also noted the importance of BRICS as a platform reflecting the interests of the Global South.