Israeli Foreign Minister Highlights Ethiopia's Crucial Role as Regional Partner 

Addis Ababa, May 5, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar held high-level talks in Addis Ababa, signaling a strong mutual commitment to reinforcing the historic and multifaceted diplomatic relations between their nations.

The meeting, which followed Minister Gedion Timothewos's earlier visit to Israel, underscored the deep-rooted friendship and strategic importance both countries place on their partnership.

During their comprehensive discussions, both ministers focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors and addressing shared regional and international concerns, including the critical issue of terrorism.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, reflecting on the significance of his visit.

"My visit here today, a short time later to your visit, reflects our will to strengthen the cooperation and the relations between our countries."

He emphasized the profound historical connection, between the two people.

"The relationship between Ethiopia and Israel is deep and historic, going back to biblical times."

Minister Sa'ar also highlighted Ethiopia's crucial role as a regional partner, explaining his choice for his first visit to Africa as foreign minister:

"I choose to begin here in Ethiopia, which demonstrates the importance of your country to us. We see Ethiopia as an important partner, and we want to upgrade the relationship between the countries in all aspects."

He further described Ethiopia as "a gateway to Africa for us," acknowledging the vital link provided by Ethiopian Airlines, which continued flights to Israel "almost without interruption during the war."

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his pleasure in hosting his counterpart.

 

"…, it's a great privilege and honor to host you here in Addis. I'm very glad that you have honored your promise to come and visit very soon after my visit to Jerusalem."

He stressed the economic dimension of the relationship, stating, "We believe that ties in investment, trade, and economic cooperation between the two countries would serve as an anchor to a comprehensive strategic partnership between Israel and Ethiopia."

The ministers discussed various sectors of mutual interest, including agriculture, technology transfer, and economic partnerships.

Minister Gedion Timothewos specifically highlighted the success of existing cooperation.

"Israeli technical cooperation has been, for example, very important in transforming horticulture practices in Ethiopia. Particularly, our avocado exports have boomed thanks to Israeli technical cooperation.", he said.

Both ministers expressed their commitment to expanding collaboration in these vital areas.

Minister Sa'ar is accompanied by a business delegation, with a large Israel business forum scheduled for tomorrow, which he noted "includes dozens of public and private sector participants from both countries, seeking new business and collaboration opportunities."

He added, "We are committed to expanding our cooperation in all areas. We are committed to realizing the great potential in trade and economic partnerships."

A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the shared threat of terrorism.

Minister Sa'ar was unequivocal, stating, "Terrorism is a common threat to our nations." He said they must be defeated."

Minister Gedion Timothewos concurred on the severity of the threat, affirming, "Terrorism is a trait both to Israel and Ethiopia, as well as the global community."

He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in this area: "... our continued and strengthened cooperation in this sector is very important to counter terrorism in the Horn of Africa and in the Middle East."

The ministers concluded their meeting by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations.

Minister Gedion Timothewos expressed hope that the visit "will provide further impetus and momentum to this growing and very critical partnership for both countries."

Minister Sa'ar's visit to Addis Ababa and the high-level discussions underscore a renewed focus on deepening diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Ethiopia and Israel at a crucial time for both nations and the wider region.