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Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed addressed world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos (January 24), where he highlighted Ethiopia’s rapid transformation and reform process which is deeply rooted in the philosophy of “Medemer”, Amharic for coming together or synergy has become a colloquial word inspiring the nation carried far and wide throughout #Ethiopia.
Recalling the highly uncertain and highly volatile attributes of the Horn Region that has grappled it for decades with rivalries and hostilities Prime Minister Dr. Abiy said that Ethiopia is bold and firm to sustain pave the way for viable discourses that primarily promote common interests, common visions and common development across the board addressing major culprits that have hindered the region to the apex of peace, stability and normalcy. He stated that Ethiopia’s principled and disciplined foreign policy nexus depicts as a matter of priority our resolute for regional peace and stability based on the core principles of mutual respect, mutual benefits and mutual growth triggering tremendous potentials for holistic economic growth through regional cooperation strata.
The Prime Minister also discussed the contribution of Ethio- Eritrea Rapprochement as a continental model for regional reconciliation a grandeur historic paradigm shift ushering wind of hope wind of harmony to normalize relations with unprecedented speed and fashion of progress elevating its call above and beyond national boundary
to stimulate peaceful discourses in the region highlighting the reopening of Bure and Zalambesa border crossings during the Ethiopian New Year as the latest dramatic development which brought an extraordinary jubilation for the people of the two countries.
On the margins of the WEF Annual Meeting, the Prime Minister also reiterated the myriad of politico-economic reforms Ethiopia undertook recently among others overarching vision of national reconciliation, toning down political polarization, releasing political prisoners including some high profile figures, inviting exiled opposition groups to return home and participate vibrantly in politics intertwining and encouraging progressive inclusive democracy, navigate through political discourse based on rationality and civility has reaffirmed better equipped Ethiopia’s positive new dawn a new chapter a new era of optimism both on the economic and political flanks.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy addressed the plethora of challenges ahead to accelerate transforming a nation from the plight of poverty towards economic development towards unity and inclusion despite the applauded sound country wide reforms undertaken responding to lingering and looming regional and geopolitical challenges. He said that Ethiopia’s impressive remarkable double digit economic growth in the entire continent has echoed our unparalleled commitment to eradicate poverty, deepen our democracy and sustain country development across the globe and to that end we remain steadfast committed to tackle the myriad of challenges ahead and put Ethiopia’s name in the proper place in the world.
The World Economic Forum is held annually by global leaders to address global pressing issues to shape a better future.

Addis Ababa, January 23, 2019 – Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed addressed the 2019 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, a few minutes ago.
The Prime Minister told participants about the nationwide reforms undertaken during the past nine months and the economic growth registered in the country.
“Ethiopia today is among the fastest growing economies in the world, consistently averaging growth of over 9%. Poverty has been halved and education enrolment has markedly increased,” he said.
“Ethiopia’s Gross domestic product (GDP) has multiplied 10 fold in 25 years.”
According to the Prime Minister, investment in infrastructure has contributed a lot to the growth and attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), making Ethiopia one of the leading FDI destinations in Africa.
“Our challenges however, remain formidable.” The challenge, he explained, is to sustain that level of growth, especially to find jobs for a rapidly expanding young population.
“In order to enforce our up word trajectory and achieve even more rapid and sustainable growth, Ethiopia has embarked on a comprehensive reform process since last April,” he said.
The reform is deeply rooted in the philosophy of “medemer” an Amharic word for coming together, which is people centered and has three interdependent pillars- vibrant democracy, economic vitality and regional integration and openness to the world, he said.
After pledging to make easier to do business for everyone who wish to invest in Ethiopia, he called on investors from all across the world to take advantage of the huge investment and business potentials available in the country.
The Prime Minister said his government is committed to opening up the economy to international investors in telecom, logistics, energy, aviation, railways, and industrial parks. The Premier further said his government will continue to foster public private partnership.

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.