Ethiopia Expands Bilateral, Multilateral Diplomatic Engagements

Addis Ababa, May 21, 2026 —Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the country is intensifying its bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening international partnerships and safeguarding the interests of Ethiopian citizens abroad.

In a press briefing he gave today, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ambassador Nebiat Getachew said Ethiopia has undertaken a series of high-level diplomatic initiatives focused on enhancing political, economic and strategic relations with key global partners.

As part of these efforts, a delegation led by Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held extensive discussions in Washington, D.C., centered on deepening Ethiopia–United States relations.

According to Ambassador Nebiat, Ethiopia and the United States signed a Bilateral Structured Dialogue (BSD) Framework Agreement, formalized by Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs Alison Hooker.

 

The agreement establishes cooperation in three major areas: economic prosperity, trade and investment; defense and security collaboration; and regional peace and stability.

The spokesperson added that Minister Gedion also held discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance regional cooperation.

In addition, the Ethiopian delegation met with experts at the Hudson Institute, where they presented Ethiopia’s economic outlook, geopolitical developments in the Horn of Africa, and the country’s approach to regional and international cooperation.

Ambassador Nebiat reiterated Ethiopia’s longstanding position on access to the sea, emphasizing that the country remains committed to pursuing sea access through peaceful diplomatic engagement.

On the multilateral front, the spokesperson noted that Ethiopia marked the 80th anniversary of the United Nations by unveiling a commemorative stamp collection under the theme “Living Together in Peace.”

The collection was jointly launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

He explained that the stamps commemorate significant milestones in Ethiopia–UN relations, including Ethiopia’s signing of the UN Charter in 1945, its participation in peacekeeping missions in the Congo, and the hosting of the first UN Security Council meeting held on African soil.

According to the spokesperson, the initiative reflects Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to multilateral diplomacy, collective security, and global peace efforts.

Regarding relations with France, the spokesperson stated that the recent visit by French President Emmanuel Macron further reinforced bilateral ties between the two countries.

He noted that the visit resulted in agreements focused on renewable, sustainable, and integrated energy cooperation, particularly in geothermal energy development.

On Ethiopia’s engagement with BRICS, Ambassador Nebiat said Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in India under the theme: “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

 

During the meeting, Ethiopia emphasized the importance of coordinated multilateral diplomacy and called for a fair and inclusive international system that equally serves the interests of all countries.

On the sidelines of the forum, Minister Gedion held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, where both sides reaffirmed their longstanding relations and commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s citizen-centered diplomacy, Ambassador Nebiat said Ethiopian officials also engaged with South African authorities regarding the wellbeing and protection of Ethiopian nationals living in South Africa.

He stated that Minister Gedion Timothewos met with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola on the margins of the BRICS meeting in New Delhi, where both sides agreed to work jointly to address challenges facing Ethiopians residing in South Africa.

The spokesperson added that State Minister Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye also held discussions with South Africa’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Nonceba Losi.

 During the talks, both parties stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of Ethiopian citizens.

The South African side condemned recent attacks against Ethiopians, confirmed that investigations are underway, and agreed to strengthen institutional cooperation, including through the establishment of a joint follow-up mechanism.

 

Ambassador Nebiat further disclosed that Foreign Minister Gedion also held discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed Elkhereiji.

The talks focused on expanding legal employment opportunities and enhancing the safety, welfare, and protection of Ethiopian nationals residing in Saudi Arabia.