President Taye Bids Farewell to Outgoing German, Egyptian Ambassadors

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2025 (ENA)—President Taye Atske Selassie bid farewell today to the outgoing German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld to Ethiopia and Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Omar Gad.

On the occasion, the President expressed his gratitude to the ambassadors for their commendable efforts in advancing and deepening bilateral relations with Ethiopia throughout their tenure.

The outgoing ambassadors told ENA that they made meaningful contributions toward strengthening bilateral relations with Ethiopia during their tenure, recognizing the country’s strategic significance on the African continent.

After attending the farewell ceremony, African Affairs Director-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zerihun Abebe, affirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to elevating its longstanding ties with both nations to a higher level.

According to him, President Taye underscored that the relationship between Ethiopia and Egypt is deeply historical and intrinsically interconnected, emphasizing the responsibility to foster a relationship that builds upon it.

Acknowledging the complex and evolving nature of Ethiopia–Egypt relations, the president emphasized the need for the countries to assess their cooperation through the lens of their strategic relevance and natural interconnectedness within the African continent.

President Taye highlighted Ethiopia’s longstanding historical ties with Egypt and their natural linkage through the Nile River, affirming Ethiopia’s steadfast position that this shared resource must be utilized in an equitable and fair manner.

In this regard, he noted that the two countries are capable of engaging in direct consultations and resolving any potential differences without the involvement of external parties.

On his part, the outgoing Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Omar Gad said it has been a privilege for him to serve as an Egyptian ambassador in Addis Ababa over the past four years.

“Both Egypt and Ethiopia are very important countries in Africa. We have a long history of engaging in bilateral relations. …..  We are able to build all bridges in our relations of course; we have issues on the bilateral fronts. (But) we need to deal with it.

However, we have a history of strong engagement; and I am sure that in the coming months an agreement over our differences will be reached.”     

The outgoing German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld to Ethiopia highlighted the bilateral relationship between Germany and Ethiopia.

“This is a very special year as we are celebrating 120 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Germany has always considered itself to be a very good friend of Ethiopia, and I think we have had bilateral relations which reflect this in many ways.”