New Zealand’s Outgoing Envoy Praises Ethiopia’s Transformation, Reaffirms Strong Bilateral Ties

Addis Ababa, December 13, 2025 (ENA) —Outgoing New Zealand Ambassador Michael Upton praised Ethiopia’s visible physical transformation while reaffirming his country’s commitment to expanding engagement across diverse spheres.

Following the completion of his tenure as New Zealand’s envoy to Ethiopia, Ambassador Upton recently held talks with President Taye Atske Selassie and subsequently gave an exclusive interview to ENA.

Citing his conversation with the president, the ambassador noted that, despite the currently modest trade relationship, New Zealand is seeking to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of trade, services, and technology.

“We have a small trade relationship, and we are exploring ways to grow it, particularly in the areas of services and technology. We also have development cooperation in areas such as geothermal energy, food systems, climate-smart agriculture, and education scholarships,” he noted.

He also highlighted New Zealand’s ongoing support in geothermal energy development, agro-food systems, climate-smart agriculture, education, scholarships, and humanitarian assistance.

Upton also emphasized the importance of Ethiopia’s aspiration toward resilience and self-reliance.

The ambassador acknowledged the visible transformations taking place in Addis Ababa, stating that the physical changes in the city are “undeniable.”

He underlined the need to focus as well on addressing the human cost of development as part of a resilient nation including issues related to housing, public transportation, and support for vulnerable communities.

Speaking on Ethiopia’s far-reaching reforms, Ambassador Upton observed that the country is advancing key initiatives, including homegrown economic reforms, the national dialogue process, and efforts toward accountability and transitional justice, describing them as complex, long-term processes unfolding in parallel.

The ambassador shared his views on the geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa, highlighting Ethiopia’s leading role and its commitment to maintaining dialogue with neighboring countries to promote regional stability.

The outgoing ambassador expressed hope that win-win solutions would prevail through sustained dialogue to ensure durable regional stability.

He particularly urged countries in the Horn of Africa to capitalize on their shared interests.

Upton said New Zealand is finalizing arrangements with the African Union to establish a facility that will support Ethiopia and other countries in the region in geothermal development.

He further confirmed that New Zealand will continue its scholarship program, with Ethiopian students set to travel to New Zealand in the coming year to study geothermal energy and agriculture.

Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and New Zealand are rooted in early informal support dating back to the 1930s, when New Zealand backed Ethiopia’s sovereignty at the League of Nations following Italy’s invasion of the country.

 This gesture is widely regarded as the foundation of the long-standing goodwill between the two nations.

 The relationship has since been strengthened through formal diplomatic engagement. Notably, New Zealand opened its embassy in Addis Ababa in June 2013. In turn, the Ethiopian Embassy in Canberra has been accredited to cover New Zealand, further solidifying bilateral ties.