FM Gedion Confers with Counterparts from Burundi, Zimbabwe, and Benin

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Burundi, Zimbabwe, and Benin on the sidelines of the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council in Addis Ababa

During the discussions, the minister reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to advancing African unity, regional integration, and stronger intra-African partnerships.

The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations, reinforcing cooperation within the African Union, and accelerating the implementation of joint initiatives that support the realization of Agenda 2063, the continent's blueprint for inclusive and sustainable development.

In a bilateral talks with Burundi's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Édouard Bizimana, who is chairing the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, the two ministers reviewed preparations and proceedings of the ongoing Executive Council session ahead of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

 

They underscored that the African Union's effectiveness in delivering on its mandate depends on securing sustainable and predictable financing to meet the growing operational and institutional needs of the African Union Commission.

Expressing confidence in the ongoing deliberations, both ministers said the session would produce outcomes that further strengthen the Union's capacity to address the continent's priorities.

The two sides also reviewed Ethiopia-Burundi relations and agreed on the importance of accelerating cooperation through the effective implementation of the draft bilateral agreements already exchanged between the two countries.

In separate talks with Zimbabwe's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amon Murwira, the ministers reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Zimbabwe.

 

They noted that the two countries share common positions on key African Union priorities, Pan-Africanism, and major international issues, while emphasizing the need to translate their strong political ties into expanded economic and sectoral cooperation.

To advance this objective, the ministers agreed to convene a Joint Ministerial Commission, which will facilitate the implementation of existing bilateral agreements and identify new opportunities for collaboration across a wide range of sectors.

Gedion also met with Benin's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Corinne Amori, to discuss practical measures for deepening bilateral relations and broadening cooperation in areas of shared interest.

 

The two ministers reviewed mechanisms for implementing previously signed agreements, while Minister Amori expressed Benin's keen interest in learning from Ethiopia's growing achievements in artificial intelligence (AI), recognizing the country's expanding expertise and leadership in the emerging technology sector.

The series of bilateral engagements underscores Ethiopia's proactive diplomatic role within the African Union and its continued efforts to strengthen partnerships, promote African-led solutions, and deepen cooperation among member states in pursuit of the aspirations of Agenda 2063.