Parliamentary Diplomacy Strengthens Relations While Safeguarding National Interests: Ambassador Dina Mufti

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.