Ethiopia, Finland to Strengthen Bilateral Relations and Future Cooperation

Addis Ababa, March 20, 2025 (ENA) – High-level representatives from Ethiopia's Ministry of Finance and Finland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs, including the Finnish Ambassador and delegates, gathered in a pivotal meeting to discuss their enduring bilateral relations and outline plans for future cooperation.

State Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasew, who represented the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia, warmly welcomed the Finnish delegation, highlighting the significance of their ongoing discussions and the robust cooperation that exists across various sectors.

The meeting also acknowledged the recent celebration marking 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Helena Airaksinen, representing the Department for Africa, Middle East, and Latin America at Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed Finland’s intention to maintain its country program in Ethiopia.

This program will build on existing cooperation and incorporate new initiatives aligned with the Ethiopian government’s development agenda, which emphasizes democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and sustainable development goals.

She also reiterated Finland's commitment to supporting sectors that benefit women, girls, and education as well as the education sector, with a focus on introducing new elements and collaborating within the EU framework.

 

Airaksinen emphasized Finland's intention to strengthen trade and development ties, seeking synergies that align Finnish and Ethiopian economic interests.

She underscores that Finnish companies are particularly interested in expanding their presence in Ethiopia's digital networks, and Finland is exploring mechanisms to enhance investment through guarantees.

As the world's largest coffee consumer, Finland is concerned about the implications of the EU deforestation regulation on Ethiopian coffee exports.

Both nations are engaged in discussions aimed at finding solutions, potentially leveraging the existing system for port certification. Both representatives recognized the hurdles faced by smallholder farmers in meeting certification requirements.

Ethiopia’s state minister also emphasized the Ethiopian government's commitment to comprehensive economic reforms designed to unlock the economy's potential, especially in finance, tax, and customs.

These reforms aim to promote investment, enhance access to foreign exchange, and diversify exports, while prioritizing social safety net programs to support vulnerable communities during the transition.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration, further strengthening their partnership for mutual benefit.