Ethiopia, Belgium Hold First Political Consultation

Addis Ababa, October 9, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia and Belgium have held the first political consultation aimed at uplifting bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

A Belgian delegation led by Theodora Gentzis, Secretary-General and President of the Board of Directors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of Belgium, and Ethiopian Foreign Affairs State Minister, Hadera Abera, held the consultation today.

The two sides discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation between the countries, particularly in trade, investment, and education sectors.

 

Foreign Affairs State Minister Hadera said on the occasion that the political consultation marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Belgium.

According to him, the consultation reflects a renewed commitment to deepening bilateral ties at  a time when the two nations are preparing to celebrate 120 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

The State Minister pointed out Belgium's longstanding role as a key partner in Ethiopia’s development, particularly in education, and expressed hope for expanded cooperation.

He also welcomed the growing interest from Belgian investors in sectors such as agriculture, green energy, and logistics.

Hadera also stated the need for enhanced air connectivity to bolster trade and investment relations as Belgium remains one of the top buyers of Ethiopian coffee — a vital commodity for millions of smallholder farmers in the country.

However, he raised concerns regarding the implications of the EU Deforestation Regulation on Ethiopian coffee exports, urging Belgium to advocate for a balanced implementation that considers local realities.

He also addressed migration, calling for the lifting of EU visa restrictions and promoting a more balanced partnership that includes legal pathways and skills training for migrants.

 

On the political front, the State Minister said Ethiopia is advancing national dialogue and transitional justice in the wake of the Pretoria Peace Agreement that aims to foster reconciliation and prepare for the upcoming 2026 elections.

Ethiopia continues to support African-led solutions to regional peace and security challenges, he added.

In multilateral efforts, Hadera stated that Ethiopia remains active in the African Union Peace and Security Council and is re-engaging in the World Trade Organization accession process, seeking Belgium's diplomatic support.

On her part, Theodora Gentzis, Secretary-General and President of the Board of Directors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of Belgium, emphasized the shared history and foundational roles both countries have played in international organizations from the League of Nations to the European Union and African Union.

She highlighted the importance of defending the international order amid rising pressures from powerful nations, underscoring the need for a multilateral system that amplifies African voices and addresses their interests.

Gentzis also acknowledged Ethiopia's openness to business, referencing the Ethiopian Business Forum held earlier this year.

She expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming Belgian economic mission and commended Ethiopia's impressive economic reforms.

Gentzis further said the longstanding academic partnership between Ethiopia and Belgium has seen over 5,000 Ethiopian students and researchers study in Belgium.

Additionally, she mentioned collaborative climate initiatives such as afforestation and wetland restoration projects in partnership with local universities, aiming to protect the Lake Chamo ecosystem from erosion.