President Taye Confers with Romanian Prime Minister, Current Presidential Counselor

Addis Ababa, May 15, 2026 —President Taye Atske Selassie on Friday received former Romanian Prime Minister and current presidential counselor Dacian Cioloș at the National Palace, where the Romanian envoy delivered a personal message from President Nicușor Dan.

During the meeting, President Taye expressed appreciation for the message and highlighted the longstanding diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Romania, stressing the potential to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

Speaking to Ethiopian News Agency following the meeting, Cioloș said he was honored to be received by President Taye as part of a Romanian delegation visiting Ethiopia.

 

He said he had been entrusted by Romania’s president to personally deliver the message and described Ethiopia as one of Romania’s key partners in Africa.

Cioloș noted that 2026 will mark 60 years since Romania opened its embassy in Addis Ababa and said Bucharest is seeking to deepen ties through stronger economic and political cooperation.

He also highlighted longstanding educational links between the two countries, noting that many Ethiopians have studied in Romania over the past decades.

“We want to continue building on this tradition while exploring new areas of cooperation,” Cioloș said.

 

The Romanian envoy also pointed to Addis Ababa’s rapid transformation, saying the city has changed significantly since his last visit 12 years ago.

He added that Romania is interested in expanding economic cooperation with Ethiopia and strengthening collaboration in international organizations.

In a separate meeting, President Taye Atske Selassie also held talks with Kesetebirhan Admasu, chief executive of Big Win Philanthropy, on efforts to advance early childhood development in Ethiopia.

 

During the discussion, the president encouraged the organization to continue supporting early childhood development initiatives in the country.