Ethiopia, Italy Discuss to Bolster Economic Ties in Rome

Addis Ababa, March 16, 2026 (ENA) — An Ethiopian delegation led by the Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, is currently in Rome for high-level discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Italy.

An Ethiopian delegation led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide is in Rome for high level discussions aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Italy.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, the visit focuses on strengthening economic partnership and expanding areas of collaboration between the two countries.

As part of the program, Minister Ahmed Shide held talks today with Edmondo Cirielli, Italy’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The discussion centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation and exploring opportunities for deeper engagement in development and economic cooperation.

They discussed ways to deepen the longstanding partnership between the two countries, with a focus on economic cooperation, development partnership, expanding private sector investment, and regional stability and integration.

During the meeting, Minister Ahmed Shide briefed the progress of Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform program, highlighting the ongoing efforts to strengthen macroeconomic stability, improve the investment climate, and support sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

He also expressed appreciation for Italy’s continued support to Ethiopia across a range of development areas.

Deputy Minister Cirielli commended Ethiopia’s leadership for delivering strong economic growth and acknowledged the country’s important role in promoting stability in the Horn of Africa and serving as a key anchor for regional stability.

He further reiterated Italy’s strong political commitment, at the highest level of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to support Ethiopia’s economic and development priorities.

The Deputy Minister further emphasized that Italy will continue to strengthen its engagement with Ethiopia through development cooperation initiatives and by encouraging greater participation of Italian private sector investors in the Ethiopian economy.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further deepen the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and Italy and agreed to continue working closely to advance mutually beneficial cooperation.