Addis Ababa, December 23, 2025—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held strategic talks with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, who is on a one-day working visit to Ethiopia, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing peace and security in the Horn of Africa through dialogue and African-led solutions. “Today, I welcomed President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya for a one-day working visit, reflecting the deep, historic, and brotherly relations between our two nations,” PM Abiy shared on social media channels. He noted that the talks emphasized stronger bilateral cooperation and a common resolve to promote peace, dialogue, and stability in the Horn of Africa. “During our meeting, we focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa, reaffirming our shared commitment to stability, dialogue, and African-led solutions,” the Premier said.

Addis Ababa, December 23, 2025—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed President William Ruto of Kenya for a one-day working visit this morning. Ethiopia and Kenya have recently been strengthening their bilateral ties across various sectors, as the two East African nations share common values and strategic interests. Over the past years, these leaders of the neighboring countries have exchanged numerous visits, further deepening cooperation. Moreover, numerous visits and bilateral talks between high-level government officials of Ethiopia and Kenya have underscored the strengthening of their strategic ties. In a recent interview with ENA, Kenya’s outgoing Ambassador to Ethiopia, George Orina, highlighted that Ethiopia and Kenya are strong partners actively working to promote regional peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. He emphasized the role of the two countries in regional security, noting that “Kenya and Ethiopia have been vanguard states in promoting peace and stability within the region.” A one-day visit by President William Ruto is expected to consolidate bilateral cooperation across various strategic areas.

Addis Ababa, December 23, 2025—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s acclaimed book series—Medemer, The Medemer Path, Generation Medemer, and The Medemer State, is now available in audio format through the newly launched Medemer application, the Office of the Prime Minister (PMO) announced. The books have played a pivotal role in guiding Ethiopia toward a new chapter through a people-centered journey focused on building a diversified economy, the PMO noted. Their ideas (books), the office added, go beyond theory—they have been actively implemented and have inspired renewed hope across the country. At the launch event, correspondents from the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted the tangible results achieved in recent years of reform, all driven by the Medemer philosophy.

Addis Ababa, December 20, 2025 (ENA) —Scholars contend that Ethiopia’s pursuit of sovereign maritime access transcends mere policy; it is an existential imperative and a profound generational demand essential to the nation's survival. Despite its historical legacy as a maritime power and its proximity to the Red Sea, Ethiopia remains landlocked—a geographical anomaly that has long stifled its potential. Experts argue that through the lenses of history, geography, and international law, this confinement requires a permanent and equitable resolution. In his seminal work, Assab: To Whom Does It Belong?, the distinguished legal scholar Yakob Hailemariam meticulously details the disparity between coastal and landlocked nations. Drawing on the insights of economist Paul Collier, Yakob highlights a stark reality: "Without a sea outlet, your market is restricted to your neighbors; with a sea outlet, your market is the entire world." For a nation of more than 130 million people, the limitations of landlocked status are increasingly viewed as unjust, with Ethiopia’s call for maritime access gaining growing international attention. Speaking with ENA, socio-economic experts from Mekelle city underscored the urgency of this defining issue. Social science expert Mezeker Gebrehiwot asserted that Ethiopia cannot sustain its current trajectory while remains shuttered from the coast. He noted that a burgeoning economy, rapid demographic growth, and the geostrategic significance of the Red Sea make it imperative that Ethiopia’s rights to maritime access be honored. Economic expert Hadera Bahita broadened the context, noting that genuine regional integration and shared prosperity in the Horn of Africa depend on equitable use of the Red Sea. She argued that any regional peace efforts or developmental blocs that exclude Ethiopia from maritime participation are inherently incomplete. Hadera emphasized that Ethiopia’s access is a pillar for regional stability. The economic cost of confinement remains the primary driver of this urgency. As Yakob notes in his research, a coastal nation can achieve in 24 years the level of growth that takes a landlocked country 36 years to reach. To secure its future and protect the integrity of its supply lines, Ethiopia views sovereign access to the sea as an inevitable necessity and has continued to intensify its legitimate pursuit of this right.

Addis Ababa, December 22, 2025 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s role in advancing South-South Cooperation is essential given its strategic position in the global diplomatic landscape, according to Manssour Bin Mussallam, Secretary General of the Organization of Southern Cooperation (OSC). In an exclusive interview with ENA, Secretary General Mussallam emphasized that “we are living in a historic moment." He noted the ongoing transition from the geopolitical order established in the 1990s toward to a struggling new world order, adding that countries of the Global South such as in Latin America, Africa, and Asia are currently facing a crossroads. Since recently, the certainties and predictability of the past have vanished, he pointed out, yet countries of the “the Greater South” have yet to articulate the visions that can unite them. Mussallam also underscored the urgency of south-south cooperation, describing it as more relevant than ever. However, he noted that the Global South requires enhanced financial institutions and organizations to support its efforts, advocating for the creation of "OPEC-like" coalitions focusing on agricultural and critical mineral resources, which would strengthen the collective stance of the Global South in response to an evolving global landscape. “The greater south (Global South) is in a position where South-South cooperation has never been more relevant than today, more urgent than today,” he underlined. In this regard, Ethiopia's significance in this framework cannot be overstated, Mussallam stated, emphasizing the nation’s strategic position in the global diplomatic landscape. Ethiopia's role is undeniably crucial in advancing South-South cooperation, not merely as a member of the OSC but as a diplomatic linchpin, he added. By hosting the African Union, Ethiopia has positioned itself as the diplomatic heart of Africa; he added that this centrality allows the country to serve as a vibrant hub for South-South collaboration, reinforcing its strategic significance in fostering unity and cooperation among developing nations. “Ethiopia's role is critical to the endeavors of South-South cooperation, not only because it is a member state of the OSC, because its city, Addis Ababa, is being a diplomatic capital hosting the African Union, OSC and, therefore it is a hub for South-South cooperation. Most critically, Ethiopia's role is important not only in Africa in terms of African integration and unity, but because African integration reinforces South-South cooperation.”

Addis Ababa, December 21, 2025 (ENA) —Nationwide public forums held in Addis Ababa and regional cities have affirmed tangible development gains while generating ideas that will guide Ethiopia’s future priorities, government and Prosperity Party officials said. Ethiopia has recently held a series of nationwide public forums aimed at reviewing the country’s development progress and gathering input to guide future priorities. These forums, conducted in various cities including Bahir Dar, Mizan Aman, and Hosanna, have provided an important platform for direct dialogue between government officials and citizens from diverse backgrounds such as youth, women, elders, religious leaders, and scholars. Speaking at a public forum in Bahir Dar City, Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa said the discussions demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing development efforts and strengthened trust between the public and the government. “The forum reflected what has been achieved on the ground and allowed additional development issues to be freely discussed,” Fitsum said, noting that broad public participation was a positive sign of democratic practice. “The people expressed their views freely, and this shows the strengthening of democratic practice in our country,” she added. According to the minister, the government and the Prosperity Party are closely listening to public concerns and translating plans into concrete results. The development works being carried out are responding to the people’s demands and achieving their intended objectives, she said, adding the strong public government relationship witnessed during the forums will continue to deepen. The minister further said development initiatives in Bahir Dar City are delivering visible benefits and could serve as a model beyond Ethiopia. “The results we are seeing here show that our development path is benefiting the people and can be an example for other African countries,” she stated, stressing that progress toward economic sovereignty is strengthening Ethiopia’s long-term growth capacity. Echoing this view, Head of the Public and International Relations Department of the Prosperity Party Bikila Hurissa said the public forum held in Mizan Aman City also generated wide-ranging ideas that will inform future national work.     He said participants included youth, women, elders, religious leaders, scholars and government employees. “The discussion showed strong public engagement, with participants appreciating the work done so far while also proposing areas that require further improvement,” he added. According to him, major national issues, including port access and flagship projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, were openly discussed, reflecting growing public awareness and ownership. “The ideas raised have created renewed enthusiasm and motivation. They will serve as valuable resources for future national undertakings,” he said. Similarly, Minister of Urban Affairs and Infrastructure Chaltu Sani said the public discussions proved that Ethiopia’s revival is firmly rooted in the people. Speaking at a forum in Hosanna City of the Central Ethiopian Region, she said the discussions strengthened government capacity through direct engagement with citizens.     “Public discussions are where we have proven that Ethiopia’s revival is with the real people,” she said. The minister also noted that direct dialogue with citizens has become a regular practice, allowing people to freely raise ideas, questions and concerns. The Hosanna forum was marked by open participation and constructive debate, which she described as a source of renewed strength for government institutions, she emphasized. She said urban development and infrastructure projects, including corridor development, have been widely welcomed by the public, while concerns such as unemployment were also clearly raised. “There is a clear demand for solutions to unemployment, and we have agreed to respond to the development questions raised during the discussion,” the minister noted. According to the officials, the forums collectively confirmed development progress, strengthened public trust in government, and reinforced a culture of dialogue and shared responsibility in advancing Ethiopia’s national development agenda.

Addis Ababa, December 21, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia is emerging as a pivotal anchor of power and progress in the Horn of Africa, leveraging its economic capacity and strategic location to drive regional transformation and stability, said Nebiyu Sihul, Director General of the Prosperity Party’s International Relations Directorate. In an exclusive interview with the Pulse of Africa (POA), Nebiyu said the Horn of Africa remains one of the most strategically important regions in the world, attracting interest from middle and major powers alike. He noted that Horn of Africa’s dynamism, fueled by economics, trade, politics, and international relations, has made the region a focal point for both regional and global actors. Hence, he pointed out that countries that do not engage actively risk missing out on the economic and strategic benefits this region offers, underlining Ethiopia’s growing role as a regional anchor state. “Given the scale of the dynamism, countries that fail to engage actively risk missing out on the economic and strategic benefits the region offers,” Nebiyu emphasized, highlighting the importance of active participation in regional affairs. Ethiopia has been attracting other actors to collaborate on regional development, solidifying its position as a hub of East Africa. “Ethiopia is attracting other actors to help develop the region, including through its own initiatives. This has positioned the country as a hub of East Africa, given that it has the largest economy in the region. These changes have taken place in recent years as a result of policy improvements, which are now yielding results not only for Ethiopia but for the wider region,” he elaborated. Nebiyu also mentioned about Ethiopia’s long-standing contribution to peacebuilding efforts across the region with a view to expending development across the horn of Africa. “Ethiopia also has a strong reputation in peacekeeping, particularly in Somalia, where it continues to play a key role in promoting regional stability. If the Horn of Africa becomes peaceful and stable, countries can focus on development, reduce poverty, and contribute positively to the rest of the world.” Guided by the philosophy of Medemer, which champions shared prosperity and unity, Ethiopia is emerging as a revitalized and influential regional actor, Nebiyu stated emphasizing that this approach, deeply rooted in the country’s history and aspirations, is now delivering tangible results, solidifying Ethiopia’s leadership role in shaping the future of the Horn of Africa.

Addis Ababa, December 19, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the Netherlands have taken a major step to deepen their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation across multiple areas. The agreement followed talks between Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Aukje de Vries. Both ministers highlighted the countries’ longstanding diplomatic relations and emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation. The MoU establishes a framework for political consultations and aims to enhance collaboration on bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues, with a particular focus on scaling up trade and investment. Furthermore, the agreement reflects growing ties and constructive engagement between the two nations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Addis Ababa, December 19, 2025 (ENA) —The UN General Assembly has elected former Iraqi President Barham Ahmed Salih as the next United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He will begin a five-year term on January 1, 2026. Salih becomes the first leader from the Middle East to head the UN refugee agency in more than 75 years. UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the decision and thanked outgoing High Commissioner Filippo Grandi for his long service supporting refugees and displaced people worldwide. Salih brings decades of political and diplomatic experience, having played a key role in Iraq’s reconstruction after 2003 and working closely with international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank. Grandi praised Salih’s appointment, noting that his background and personal understanding of conflict and displacement prepare him well to lead UNHCR during a time of growing global refugee crises.

Addis Ababa, December 19, 2025 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held strategic talks this afternoon with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who arrived in Ethiopia for a one-day working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. In a social media post, Prime Minister Abiy said the discussions built on engagements held over the past year. “We held a productive working lunch, continuing the discussions held over the past year and building on the progress made in strengthening our bilateral cooperation,” the Prime Minister stated. He added that the talks focused on advancing shared priorities and reaffirmed both leaders’ commitment to deepening their partnership, promoting regional stability, and supporting ongoing development efforts.

Addis Ababa, December 19, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia and Kenya are strong partners that are actively working for regional peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, Kenya’s outgoing Ambassador to Ethiopia, George Orina, told ENA. Elaborating on the role of two countries in peace and security of the region, the Ambassador noted that “Kenya and Ethiopia have been the vanguard states” in terms of promoting peace and security within the region. “We have worked together in Somalia in support of the federal government of Somalia to deal with the threat of terror as posed by Al-Shabaab. We continue to work through the various missions of the African Union at AMISOM, ATMIS, and now AUSSOM.” Kenya and Ethiopia still have a firm commitment when terror exists, he said, stressing that “it is our obligation and responsibility to see how to work to ensure that we have peace and security.” For the Ambassador, sustainable development can only be realized on the foundational basis of peace and security.     Ambassador Orina further noted that the foundations of the relations of Kenya and Ethiopia were set by the founding father of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, and Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. These relations have been built on successfully by leaders of the two countries; and the leaders continue to lead from the front, Ambassador Orina said, adding that “our leaders continue to have regular interactions at bilateral level and multilateral level.” During the interactions, he stated that the leaders recognize the common values and the aspirations of the people of this continent and the people of the two countries. According to him, the trade volumes between the two countries has been growing and trading under the AfCFTA is going to further raise the volume of trade. Regarding the role of the two countries in realizing regional integration, he said integration is a big agenda for Africa, the building blocks for African integration as Kenya and Ethiopia are at the forefront of such agenda. In terms of working together, the Ambassador stressed that infrastructure is a big driver for integration, pointing at the LAPSSET Corridor Project dedicated to interconnecting Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan. Ambassador Orina further emphasized that “energy is the biggest driver for manufacturing and industrialization. And working together, under the East African power pool, we (Kenya and Ethiopia) have developed the infrastructure for the transmission of power from Ethiopia.” Congratulating Ethiopia on the launch of the GERD, the outgoing ambassador stated that it is “a transformative project with significant potential to lighten and contribute to the development of our region”. Moreover, the two countries are working together to ensure that they have the foundational basis for integration and interactions between their peoples. “Kenyans are coming to Ethiopia for tourism, and for business; and the same is happening for Ethiopians going to Kenya as free movement of people is a big driver for integration.” Ethiopia and Kenya share deep-rooted and rapidly growing relations across political, economic, and social spheres, reinforced by high-level bilateral engagements and major infrastructure projects.

​​​​​​Addis Ababa, December 18, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s efforts to reclaim its scattered cultural treasures have gained significant momentum with the recent return of a historic shield from the Royal Ethiopian Trust, prominent historian and sociologist Alula Pankhurst said. The country has stepped up its global efforts to repatriate cultural artifacts looted during the 1868 Maqdala campaign and through other illicit means. Alula, who teaches history and sociology at Addis Ababa University, told ENA that this recovery marks a significant milestone, regarded by heritage advocates as both a symbolic and practical breakthrough in the long-standing restitution campaign. Progress has accelerated through strengthened collaboration with institutional and civil society partners in the United Kingdom and Italy, he added. Growing dialogue and coordinated action are replacing previous resistance and delays, enabling the opening of collections, tracing of provenance, and clearer pathways for the return of artifacts. The campaign targets major collections seized during the 1868 Maqdala campaign, the Italian occupation, and decades of illicit trafficking. Focused on repositories in Britain, Italy, Europe, and North America, the renewed drive is led by the Association for the Return of Maqdala Ethiopian Treasures (AFROMET), working closely with national heritage institutions and government agencies. He also described the effort to the Ethiopian News Agency as a “sustained and multifaceted campaign.” He highlighted the coordinated involvement of government bodies, international organizations, and committed individuals. “These initiatives aim to consolidate and celebrate Ethiopia’s rich historical and artistic legacy within its borders, providing invaluable resources for national pride, education, and tourism,” Pankhurst said. He identified the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (IES) as a central force in the movement. The IES, home to the world’s largest collection of Ethiopian ethnographic and religious artifacts, collaborates closely with the National Museum to safeguard the nation’s heritage, he added. According to him, the government’s restitution drive is increasingly tied to economic development. The active role of the Minister of Tourism reflects this shift, framing returned cultural artifacts as vital assets for national growth, he said, adding that recent achievements underscore this progress. He also emphasized that the reclaimed treasures has strengthened by forming partnerships in the UK, Italy, Europe and North America resulted a rise in private donors motivated by what they call an “ethical imperative” to restore cultural items to their rightful homeland. For Pankhurst, this mission is deeply personal and intergenerational as his grandmother defended Ethiopia during the Italian invasion, and his father was a founding advocate of AFROMET. He continues the work today through the National Heritage Restitution Committee and the Society of Friends of the IES. Despite recent gains, Pankhurst cautions the journey is far from over. “A rich heritage of Ethiopian artifacts remains abroad, underscoring the necessity for continued and expanded initiatives,” he said, envisioning a future where Ethiopia presents a full and authentic account of its history to the world. The country has been working intensively to return its various artifacts looted in 1868, during the reign of Emperor Tewodros II following the battle of Maqdala at northern Ethiopia.

​​​​​​Addis Ababa, December 18, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopian parliamentarians say the strategic partnership with India could serve as a powerful platform to advance the interests of developing nations while leveraging the continental roles of both countries. Following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Ethiopia and his address to the House of People’s Representatives on Wednesday, the Ethiopian News Agency spoke with MPs who shared their perspectives on the growing Ethiopia–India partnership. As two historic nations strengthen their bilateral ties, Ethiopia and India have formally elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, leaders announced. The move is widely seen as a milestone, opening a new chapter of deeper cooperation and shared progress between the two countries. Notably, Indian Prime Minister Modi’s address to the Ethiopian parliament drew international attention, amplifying Global South diplomacy beyond the scope of bilateral talks. In his speech, he emphasized the commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors based on the principle of mutual benefit. Nejat Girma, a member of parliament, highlighted the long-standing diplomatic ties and strong people-to-people relations between Ethiopia and India. She also emphasized the need to further strengthen the partnership to promote shared prosperity. Fathi Mahdi, another parliament member, described Ethiopia and India as ancient civilizations whose futures are shaped by their own choices. Fathi noted that elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership would foster a resilient and enduring friendship, regardless of shifting global circumstances. In this regard, he added, Prime Minister Modi’s visit reflects the growing strength of the relationship. The partnership would be particularly valuable in enabling the two countries to support each other on international platforms, another MP Ambassador Tofiq Abdullahi underscored.   Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives (HoPR), Tagesse Chafo, stated that Ethiopia and India are working diligently to advance the interests of developing countries by leveraging their continental influence. It is worth recalling that Ethiopia and India established official diplomatic relations in 1948, and their current strategic partnership has created new avenues for the shared prosperity of both nations.

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (ENA) —Scholars from Wachamo University have firmly expressed Ethiopia’s sovereign right to develop and utilize its natural resources within the Abay River basin and along the Red Sea coast.     They strongly condemned Egypt’s persistent colonial-era rhetoric, labeling it outdated and unacceptable in the modern era. Highlighting the ongoing dispute, the scholars noted Egypt’s continued reliance on obsolete treaties that unfairly claim disproportionate benefits from the Nile’s waters. As a downstream country, Egypt’s stance limits the rights of upstream nations like Ethiopia, despite Ethiopia contributing over 86 percent of the Nile’s water flow. Temesgen Tomas, lecturer and researcher in Peace and Security Studies at Wachamo University, told ENA that Egypt has historically obstructed Ethiopia’s development and peace efforts.     He stressed Ethiopia’s determination to provide electricity and foster growth through projects harnessing the Abay River, despite significant international pressure and political challenges. “Ethiopians have made history by overcoming these obstacles and completing the construction of their projects,” he said. Historian and researcher Asrat Ermolo on his part emphasized Ethiopia’s absolute right to develop its resources along both the Red Sea and the Abay River.     He also condemned Egypt’s attempts to block Ethiopia’s access as a violation of international law and modern principles of sovereignty. Earlier, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Egypt’s repeated efforts to revive colonial-era negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), stating such attempts disregard the political and economic realities of the 21st century. The scholars reaffirmed the Ethiopian government’s firm commitment to safeguarding national interests, including securing access to a seaport, underscoring Ethiopia’s right to fully utilize its natural resources for the benefit of its people.

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (ENA) —Recently accredited ambassadors from several countries have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their respective nations’ bilateral relations with Ethiopia across multiple sectors. Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency, the envoys of Indonesia, Switzerland, Sweden, and Canada expressed their dedication to expanding cooperation in agriculture, trade, development, peace, and multilateral diplomacy. Indonesia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Faizal Chery Sidharta, highlighted expanding agricultural cooperation, including cattle artificial insemination, as a foundation for broader engagement in agri-processing and aquaculture. He emphasized Ethiopia’s strategic role in boosting economic ties between Africa and Southeast Asia and noted growing Indonesian interest in tourism and business, aided by direct flights between Jakarta and Addis Ababa. “We want to move beyond our shared history of anti-colonial struggle into mutually beneficial development cooperation,” he said, emphasizing the importance of business-to-business ties. He highlighted that strengthening links between chambers of commerce, the Ethiopian Investment Commission, and Indonesian institutions would further deepen ties between the two countries. On her part, Switzerland’s Ambassador, Riccarda Chanda, outlined plans to make Addis Ababa a regional hub for health, food systems, migration, and humanitarian cooperation. She emphasized that the city’s role as a multilateral capital, hosting the African Union and major UN institutions, gives it significant strategic leverage. Sweden’s Ambassador, Magnus Lennartsson, praised the countries’ long-standing relationship, with 80 years of diplomatic ties next year. “Our business ties go back more than 100 years, but the economy here is growing very rapidly. There are strong economic reforms going on, and we are optimistic about future commercial relations,” he said. Sweden and Ethiopia share strong alignment on multilateralism, peace and security, and development cooperation, the ambassador noted. He highlighted opportunities for Swedish companies amid Ethiopia’s rapid economic growth and reforms, as well as strong people-to-people connections through the Ethiopian diaspora in Sweden. He also renewed his country’s commitment to support Ethiopia’s national dialogue, transitional justice process, and broader development agenda. Canada’s Ambassador, Nicolas Simard, said Canada aims to expand collaboration into economic sectors such as aerospace, mining, and education, building on existing development and peace partnerships. “We want to build on this strong foundation to develop new areas of economic partnership with Ethiopia,” he said. Observers say the renewed commitments from these nations underscore Ethiopia’s rising role as a hub for regional cooperation, trade, and sustainable development.

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (ENA) —India and Ethiopia will elevate their bilateral relationships to the level of strategic partnership to unleash potentials of the two nations, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. In his address to the joint session of the House of People's Representatives and the House of Federation today, PM Modi said Ethiopia and India are the cradles of ancient civilizations walking confidently into the future together. Peoples of the two nations traded cotton, coffee, and gold, among other items, across the Indian Ocean. Moreover, they exchanged idea, stories and ways of life, he noted. The two nations were also trade centers of the world and bridges between civilizations. According to him, peoples of the two nations had already started writing a new chapter together before formal diplomatic relations began. “Our formal diplomatic relations begins soon after India become independent. Even before embassies were set up, our people had already started writing a new chapter together.” Currently, Ethiopia and India are expanding their bilateral relation in socioeconomic and political spheres. “Today, Indian companies are among the largest foreign investors in Ethiopia. They have invested more than 5 billion US dollars in diverse sectors like textiles, manufacturing, agriculture, health, and more. They have created more than 75,000 local jobs. Our partnership has unlocked more potential,” he stated. Furthermore, leaders of the two countries have taken a big step forward and decided to elevate the bilateral relations of the two countries to the level of strategic partnership. PM Modi said, “We decided to elevate the bilateral relations of the two countries to the level of strategic partnership. This will unleash the potentials of our economy through cooperation in technology, innovation, mining, sustainable and green energy." This, he stressed, will secure the future of the peoples of the two countries by cooperating in food security, health security, and capacity building. "We will also enhance our trade and investment cooperation as well as on defense and security matters,” the PM said. He finally underlined that Ethiopia and India will walk, build, and succeed together as equals, partners and friends.

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s timeless traditions of dignity, independence, and self-respect serve as a powerful source of inspiration for all, while Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s vision stands as a shining example to the world, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored. A state banquet honoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held at the Addis International Convention Center on Tuesday night. Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Modi said that being honored by one of the world’s most ancient and rich civilizations was a matter of immense pride for him. On behalf of all the people of India, I accept this honor with at most humility and gratitude, he said, adding: “This honor belongs to the countless Indians who have helped shape our partnership.” Expressing his sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and commending his leadership, Modi said “At the time when the world’s attention is focused on the global south, Ethiopia’s timeless traditions of dignity, independence, and self-respect serve as a powerful source of inspiration for all of us.” “It is indeed fortunate that at this critical juncture the reigns of Ethiopia are in the capable hands of Dr. Abiy with his vision of Medemer and his commitment for development, the manner in which he is guiding Ethiopia..., stands as a shining example for the whole world.” Whether it is environmental protection, inclusive development, or strengthening unity in a diverse society, Modi deeply appreciated PM Abiy’s efforts, initiatives and steadfast commitment. Stating that education is the foundation of any nation, he said India takes pride in the fact that the greatest contribution to India-Ethiopia relations has come from our teachers. For Prime Minister Modi, Ethiopia’s great culture drew Indian teachers to the country, and he noted that they were bestowed with the unique privilege of nurturing several generations of Ethiopians. Even today, he added, many Indian faculty members continued to serve in Ethiopian universities and higher education institutions. “The future belongs to partnerships built on vision and trust, we wish to advance such cooperation with Ethiopia, a cooperation that addresses global challenges and also creates new opportunities.”

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (ENA) —The Global South must achieve sovereignty of education, culture, and technology, among others, Organization of Southern Cooperation (OSC) Secretary-General Manssour Bin Mussallam said. Speaking at the Institute of Foreign Affairs' Fireside Chat titled, “A Third Way: The Greater South Amidst Global Disorder,” OSC Secretary-General, Manssour Bin Mussallam emphasized the critical importance of sovereignty for countries in the Global South, emphasizing control over knowledge, culture, technology, and resources. In this regard, the Secretary-General proposed the imperative necessity of building a third way of development from the Global South by the Global South, yet for the entire humanity. According to him, the stalks of inseparable sovereignties, including education, culture, technology, health resources, food , energy, etc. In terms of educational sovereignty, he advocated for curricula and narratives that reflect local histories, contributions, and indigenous knowledge systems of the Global South. “We must achieve educational sovereignty by revising our curricula to better reflect our contribution to the world civilization; to prepare our youth for the complexity of the world through trans-disciplinary approaches and contexts that respond to national priorities, local realities and individuality of our students,” Mussallam explained. Countries of greater South need to also achieve cultural sovereignty in their contextual realities, he added. “We must also achieve cultural sovereignty in the context of our greater South; because our cultures have often been reduced to folklore, to the dances and music of the past. We must be rooted in our past informed by our past, and must honor our past. But, the truth is that there is no culture without our peoples; and our peoples are not stagnating in the past. They are living, evolving and growing.” The Secretary-General noted that technological sovereignty would enable developing countries to control innovation, production, and research priorities rather than relying on external powers. Moreover, he advocated for health and vaccine sovereignty, addressing inequities in access, storage, and representation in global research agendas. Mussallam further urged for food and energy sovereignty, including local control over agricultural systems and renewable energy production, with a focus on protecting communities and resources. “To do so, we must first become capable as countries of the greater South, articulating the long-term vision of the world we want to build or the architecture that we seek to achieve because without vision there can be no mobilization, and without mobilization there can be no transformation,” he elaborated.

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia and India are poised to build modern and capable states for the next generation as this shared outlook opens wide opportunities, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted. Addressing the state banquet held in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, PM Abiy said the visit of India's Prime Minister Modi is beyond a diplomatic occasion. It is a meeting of two nations that understand how careful planning and bold ideas can fuel transformation, he added. “Our history is long, our bonds are deep but the most important chapter of our journey lies ahead,” he stated, stressing that Ethiopia, like India, believes in building strength at home and engaging the world while safeguarding its dependence. PM Abiy also noted that “Prime Minister Modi’s vision of self-reliant India anchored in practical governance and broad strategic partnership speaks directly to us and resonates with our philosophy of Medemer, the belief that when we are together, we multiply our strength.” According to him, Ethiopia and India are poised to build modern and capable states for the next generation as this shared outlook opens wide opportunities. Factories can create dignified jobs, digital platforms can reach communities across the countries, clean energy can power industries and transform farms, Abiy said. Furthermore, entrepreneurs from Addis Ababa to Bengaluru can build global competitive companies where young people are ready to innovate, to lead and to shape the future. “Ethiopia and India share more than interests, we share values, a commitment to sovereignty, human dignity and development that lifts all people. Our partnership is strategic, long-term and rooted in mutual respect.” When Ethiopia and India advance with shared ambition, they show the world the true potential of the Global South, Abiy underscored. “Progress grounded in dignity, development anchored in sovereignty and nations shaping their own future with purpose, vision, and lasting impact.”

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia and India have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Africa’s voice in global decision-making, said Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Speaking to the media after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ethiopia, Dalela highlighted the warm reception by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and described the discussions as “productive and wide-ranging,” covering the full spectrum of the bilateral partnership. The two leaders held one-to-one talks, followed by delegation-level discussions, round-table meetings, and a state banquet hosted by Prime Minister Abiy. Both nations agreed to deepen collaboration in trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, skill development, defence, mining, artificial intelligence, and digital public infrastructure. On international cooperation, Dalela said, “We both believe, India and Ethiopia, that international institutions must reflect contemporary global realities rather than outdated structures.” He added that India supports Africa’s rightful place in the UN Security Council and a stronger role for the continent in global financial institutions, while promoting African perspectives on climate adaptation, trade, technology, and development. Ethiopia, a key African Union member and recent BRICS partner, will coordinate closely with India across multilateral forums. Dalela noted that India will host BRICS activities starting January next year and that PM Modi has invited Prime Minister Abiy to participate in the upcoming BRICS summit. Speaking on longstanding ties, India and Ethiopia share a long history of friendly relations, underpinned by people-to-people ties, growing trade, and development cooperation. Indian companies are active in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, textiles, and education in Ethiopia. The visit marks India’s continued engagement with Africa, working with partners like Ethiopia to push for reforms in global governance and deepen cooperation through platforms such as BRICS.