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Addis Ababa, January 22, 2019 – Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu met with his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis today in Davos, Switzerland, on the margins of the 2019 World Economic Forum.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral and multilateral issues of common interest, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dr. Workneh briefed his Swiss counterpart on the sweeping political and economic reforms underway in Ethiopia under the new leadership.
He said the reform was vital to ensure socio-economic development, the widening of the political space, reign of the rule of law, ensuring media freedom and respect of human rights.
In such score, he noted that a number of important legislation have been in the process of revision and will soon be completed.
Dr. Workneh further underlined the importance of enhancing the bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in areas of trade and investment.
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has pledged to encourage the Swiss private sector to invest in Ethiopia with the view to strengthening the bilateral economic cooperation.
The two Ministers also underscored the need to finalize the signing of the agreement on avoidance of double taxation, noting that doing so would further strengthen the bilateral economic ties.
They also agreed to continue the bilateral political consultations they have been conducting at the level of the State Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the two countries.
Ethiopia and Switzerland held their 3rd round political consultation in Bern, Switzerland in March 2018. Switzerland is a key partner of Ethiopia in Federalism and Governance.
Similarly, Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh also held discussions with President of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mr. Peter Maurer.
Minister Dr. Workneh commended the ICRC for its practical, fruitful works it undertook to support Ethiopia over the course of time.
He also briefed the President on the sweeping political, economic reforms that has unleashed a powerful wind of hope ushering a new dawn a new chapter as Ethiopia sternly strides to tackle poverty, deep democracy and good governance across the board.
President Peter expressed his appreciation for the steps undertaken by Ethiopia to revitalize progresses politically, economically showcasing ardent determination for regional peace, stability and integration.

Addis Ababa, January 21, 2019 – Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed met with chiefs of Rome based UN agencies, namely the World Food Program (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
During his talks with WFP Executive Director Mr. David Beasley, PM Dr Abiy acknowledged the agency for the crucial role it has been playing in supporting the government address food security, nutrition and capacity building interventions, according to Office of the Prime Minister.
Similarly, the Prime Minister held talks with Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in his second meeting with development partners.
Mr. Houngbo appreciated the Ethiopian Prime Minister for his courage and the changes that he has introduced this far. PM Abiy Ahmed highlighted the need for strengthening irrigation and food security interventions.
IFAD’s support to Ethiopia, which is the largest portfolio in Africa, is anchored in the Government’s commitment to the poorest communities through enhancing the productivity of smallholder farmers, pastoralists and agro-pastoralists.
They agreed to continue building on the performance of Ethiopia in addressing the need of poor communities through IFAD’s and the Government’s collaboration in medium scale irrigation and rural financing.
The Prime Minister also met with Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Mr. José Graziano da Silva. Mr. da Silva appreciated the role being played by Ethiopia in the Horn region noting that peace is an important pre-condition.
He also particularly noted PM Dr Abiy’s political leadership in facilitating these changes.
PM Dr Abiy on his part highlighted that integration is a priority for him and therefore peace in the region as a critical foundation for realizing this goal.
With regards to food security and agriculture, PM Abiy Ahmed emphasized that the needs of small holder farmers is notably access to markets.
“This therefore requires joint technical interventions, which both agreed to build on and strengthen the existing cooperation,” he said.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy arrived in Rome, Italy yesterday for an official visit.
Upon arrival, he was warmly received by members of the Ethiopian community in Rome, where he will be holding key bi-lateral discussions with development partners beginning today.
He will also meet with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte following his invitation to PM Dr Abiy during his 2018 Ethiopia visit, according to office of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister will be attending World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland to begin on 22 January and end on 25 January, 2019. Prime Minister Dr Abiy is one of the key speakers at the Forum.
In Davos, he will also strike dialogues with world leaders, global business leaders, economists, politicians, international financiers, and renowned high-profile academics.
The theme of this year’s World Economic Forum is “Globalization 4.0: Shaping a New Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution”

PM Dr. Abiy Attends a High-Level Meeting of Heads of State and Government on the situation in DRC later today in Addis (January 17). The high-level Ethiopian delegation included Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The President of the Republic of Rwanda and the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) H.E. Paul Kagame convened a high Level Consultation Meeting of Heads of State and Government on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Addis.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission stated that this meeting was called with a view to finding a viable solution that appeals to all stakeholders involved in the DRC situation.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the second largest country in Africa.

Addis Ababa, January 18, 2019 – Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu exchanged views with his Rwandan counterpart, Richard Sezibera on aspects of bilateral and regional issues today.
Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh warmly welcomed Sezibera and expressed his satisfaction on the excellent relations between Ethiopia and Rwanda.
Highlighting collaboration on a myriad of bilateral and regional issues of common interest, Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh said,“Ethiopia and Rwanda enjoy excellent relations, I’m satisfied on the level of cooperation between the two friendly countries.”
“Ethiopia and Rwanda cooperation is practical and exemplary.”
Foreign Minister Sezibera on his part appreciated the strong deep-rooted relation between the two countries.
He said “ I applaud Ethiopia for unleashing a new era of optimism in the Horn of Africa,” further adding “Rwanda support the recent political and economic reforms undertaken by Ethiopia; Rwanda is committed to boost business, trade and investment cooperation with Ethiopia.”
Rwanda opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in September 1978 while Ethiopia opened its Embassy in Kigali in April 2017, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The PRC will prepare the agenda of the 32nd African Union Summit with appropriate recommendations for consideration by the Executive Council scheduled to take place from 7th – 8th February 2019. The meeting will bring together all the Ambassadors of the 55 African Union member states based in Addis Ababa and key AU officials.