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Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed held an in-depth, thorough discussion this morning with the leadership of MFA, Director Generals, Ambassadors and diplomats on the ongoing reform, progresses and challenges responding to contemporary global issues of national interest, enhancing our economic diplomacy venture, diaspora engagement and lessons learned.
PM Dr. Abiy said that Diplomacy is one pillar of economic development; it is vital bedrock for socio-economic progress, adding “Our Ambassadors and diplomats are the face and soul of Ethiopia abroad. An Ambassador should relentlessly promote Ethiopia abroad for national gain, stimulate positive country image, mobilize investment, tourism and better engage the diaspora for national dialogue.”
On the occasion, PM Dr. Abiy commended the Ambassadors for their tireless effort and hard work over the years abroad, concomitantly stressing our embassies should be able to play a much more bustling, active role in promoting investment, informing and updating potential investors on investment opportunities in Ethiopia, trade, and tourism sectors.
He said, “We want the foreign ministry to become a catalyst for economic development, maintain positive country image and most importantly trigger citizencentered diplomacy in our bilateral, regional and multilateral diplomatic activity nexus.”
On a final note Dr. Abiy applauded and gave Certificate of Appreciation to Africa’s longest serving Diplomat, Ambassador Konjit Sine-Giorgis in recognition of her outstanding and invaluable contribution in various positions during her tenure of duty at MFA.

Addis Ababa, January 9, 2019 – Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed received the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, at his office today.
The official visit further solidifies the diplomatic relations between Ireland and Ethiopia that spans over 20 years.
During the bi-lateral discussions PM Dr Abiy noted that the visit by PM Varadka is a testimony to the strengthened ties between Europe and Ethiopia, according to Office of the Prime Minister.
The Taoiseach on his part expressed his appreciation of the recent developments in Ethiopia and shared Ireland’s continued support to Ethiopia, particularly in agroprocessing investments, the office added.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Varadkar visited Irish NGOs that are working to reduce poverty in Ethiopia.
The Irish Prime Minister arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia today.
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, the Prime Minister was received by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Markos Tekle.
His visit will last until 11th January.
Ireland and Ethiopia enjoy 25 years of diplomatic relations.
PM Varadkaris began his week-long program in Africa on Monday with a visit to Mali.

Addis Ababa, January 8, 2019 – Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s nationwide and fundamental political and economic reforms could be a model to the East African region and beyond, said EU ambassador to Ethiopia.Ambassador Johan Borgstam told The Ethiopian Herald, that EU welcomes the
commitment of the Ehiopian Governemnt to multiparty democracy, respect for human rights, rule of law and gender parity.The appointment of SahleWork Zewde as the President and nominations of 50 percent women in the cabinet are also encouraging steps toward a greater degree of gender equality and inclusiveness, he said.EU encourages the Ethiopian Government to continue towards developing an inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, including federal and regional authorities,
political parties, CSOs, youth groups and media on sustainable solutions towards better governance, justice and accountability, election, job creation, and security challenges. According to him, the EU stands ready to support Ethiopia in its continued work to
ensure the respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and access to information, the right to assembly, foster religious tolerance and safeguard gender mainstreaming.The Union also backs activities towards promoting women and girls’ education and empowerment and moves to eliminate all forms of violence against them, also in
efforts to make the upcoming election inclusive, credible and transparent.EU welcomes the announcement of reforms aiming at revitalizing the economy by improving the investment climate and strengthening the role of the private sector, the ambassador said.It appreciates Ethiopia’s engagement in multilateral free trade mechanisms,
reforming key state-owned enterprises and opening them to competition and foreign participation as well as putting the economy on a fiscally sustainable path, he added.Noting economic reforms should contribute to address the crucial need for job creation in a country where two thirds of the population is under the age of 30,
Borgstam said the EU will intensify its support in job creation, industrial and agroindustrial parks, export and trade promotion as well as private sector development.The recently proposed Africa-Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobspromotes a strengthened framework to support Ethiopia’s economic transformation,he said.The EU and its Member States have been steadfast allies in supporting Ethiopiathrough various platforms and they will step up coordination to back government’sendeavors.Furthermore, EU and its Member States have been providing humanitarian assistancefor millions of internally displaced people across the country thereby supplementinggovernment’s efforts to deter the existing large-scale internal displacement from
posing a risk to the reform process.Ambassador Borgstam pointed out that EU supports the driving role Ethiopia hasbeen playing in the regional Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF)process as the second largest refugee hosting country in Africa.The Union commends Ethiopia for its constructive role in the Khartoum Process and the Valletta Summit on Migration and applauds the decision the government has made to grant visa-upon arrival to African citizens as a step towards further regional and continental integration.

Foreign Minister Dr.Workneh Gebeyehu welcomed Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister H.E Wang Yi earlier this morning. (January 03)
The State Councilor and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Wang Yi noted the historic and solid relationship between the peoples and governments of #Ethiopia and #China.
Mr. Wang said, “Ethio- China relations is unshakeable and unbreakable as it is based upon solid political, economic and social foundations.” He furthers stressed, “We support the economic reforms Ethiopia is undertaking, Ethiopia continues to be a strategic partner and reliable ally in Africa; friendship and cooperation will continue and there’s no policy change towards Ethiopia.”
Minister Workneh commended the age-old relations Ethiopia and China enjoyed that has gradually ascended into a strong win-win situation. He said, “We appreciate China for pursuing consistent and stable foreign policy that has been dependable and practical for our peoples”, adding “the long-standing ties between Ethiopia and China navigates through multifaceted dynamic economic cooperation and engagements on a number of venues.”
Minister Workneh took the opportunity to thank the Government and peoples of China for its endeavor to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Ethiopia and its sheer commitment to safeguard common interests of both sides in regional and international venues.
State Councilor and Foreign Minister H.E Wang Yi delivered an invitation from President of China H.E Xi Jinping to Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed for the 2nd China Belt and Road Initiative to be held in Beijing end of April.
Ethiopia and People’s Republic of China established diplomatic relations in 1970.

Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie said Ethiopia has played a key role during its two years stint at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
He briefed the media today regarding Ethiopia’s two-year term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.
He said Ethiopia has played a key role during its two years stint not only shouldering responsibilities in regional and continental issues, but also in global matters of mutual concern highlighting Ethiopia’s proactive and consistent activities in the Horn, among others in UNIFSA, UNAMID, and AMISOM.
The lifting of sanctions on Eritrea and IGAD-led peace process in South Sudan has depicted Ethiopia’s unflinching commitment towards positive developments in the region being a vocal for continental peace and security architecture, he added.
Ambassador Taye also accentuated that Ethiopia for many years has been one of the steadfast leading contributor of UN peacekeeping, providing a contingent of 12,000 personnel, both men and women.
Ethiopia joined the United Nations on 13 November 1945 and has been an active member since 1945, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.