EU Renews Commitment to Strengthening Strategic Cooperation with Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, January 17, 2026 (ENA)—The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with Ethiopia across key strategic areas, following high-level discussions between Ethiopian leadership and the European External Action Service.

European External Action Service (EEAS) Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Olof Skoog, paid an official visit to Ethiopia this week, where he held discussions with Foreign Minister Gedion Timothowes, President Taye Atske Selassie, and other senior government officials.

The talks focused on reviewing the state of EU–Ethiopia relations and identifying opportunities to further strengthen collaboration.

Approached by ENA, Skoog described EU–Ethiopia relations as holding “great promise,” particularly at a time when global challenges are placing increasing pressure on the international institutions.

“We believe that in the current geopolitical juncture where there are some big players who are questioning the UN Charter and international law, those of us who hold these values and principles very dear, need cooperate and stay close together.”

He emphasized that countries and institutions committed to multilateralism, international law, and the principles of the UN Charter must work more closely together amid the evolving global geopolitical landscape.

Security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, including shared concerns over stability in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.

“We've also discussed security around the Red Sea in the horn of Africa, but also in Europe, and how we can cooperate also on that,” the deputy secretary-general revealed.

On counter-terrorism, Skoog said it is a potential area where the EU and Ethiopia will deepen their collaboration.

Enhanced economic cooperation and sustainable development within countries, as well as across the region, would greatly benefit from stronger cross-border economic integration, an area where Europe is looking to make a potential contribution, he added.

He added that the European Union has been strongly supportive of Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms and sees considerable potential to expand trade and investment between the two partners.

 He emphasized that, beyond various supports, Europe seeks to contribute to Ethiopia’s broader economic development by sharing expertise in modern technology.

He further stated: “We want to be part of the economic development of Ethiopia.”

He noted that promoting sustainable approaches to growth is also a part Europe could contribute, highlighting a long-term commitment to fostering inclusive and resilient development in the country.

Skoog noted that a favorable business climate could attract European companies to explore the business in Ethiopia boosting trade and investment.

He added that Europe aims to contribute to Ethiopia’s development through modern technology and sustainable development approaches.

Skoog said the EU and Ethiopia “see eye to eye” on the climate agenda and discussed enhanced cooperation ahead of the upcoming COP climate conference to be hosted in Ethiopia.

Addressing regional tensions, Skoog acknowledged that conflicts and heated rhetoric persist in parts of the Horn of Africa.

However, he underscored that both sides remain focused on de-escalation through dialogue.

 He noted the importance of reviving diplomatic engagement, pursuing political solutions to address the root causes of conflict is crucial to strengthening regional cooperation as a sustainable and constructive alternative to conflict.