H.E Ambassador Binalf Andualem welcomed Ambassador Tibor Nagy at the embassy for an in-depth discussion about the current state of relations between Ethiopia and the United States.
The conversation was insightful and rich, contributing to ongoing efforts to strengthen this historic partnership. They evaluated how to maximize the unique opportunities presented by the Home-grown Economic Reforms in Ethiopia, coupled with the Trump Administration’s focus on enhancing economic relationships, to accelerate trade and investment between the two countries. Additionally, they exchanged views on regional peace and security, sharing ideas on how to best collaborate and leverage the resources of both countries to promote peace and prosperity. Ambassador Binalf expressed his appreciation for the discussion, noting that it was worthwhile to engage with a true friend of Ethiopia who wishes nothing but prosperity and peace for the nation.
The Embassy of Ethiopia in Washington, DC in collaboration with the International DC Club organized a promotional event aimed at showcasing Ethiopia’s tourism attractions.
H.E. Binalf Andualem, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ethiopia to the United States of America, delivered welcoming remarks, emphasizing Ethiopia’s deep-rooted cultural heritage. He highlighted the country’s UNESCO-recognized treasures, including the Obelisks of Axum, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the castles of Gondar, ancient walled city of Harar, the unique cultures of the Omo Valley, the otherworldly Danakil Depression, Simien & Bale mountains. He expressed gratitude to both the participants and the event organizers, emphasizing that cultural exchange plays a key role in fostering global relationships.
A large number of American visitors participated in the event, during which they were encouraged to write their names in Amharic (Ge’ez script) and familiarize themselves with the Ethiopian alphabet.
The event also showcased how traditional Ethiopian clothing is made from hand-woven fabric, along with a video presentation highlighting Ethiopia’s historical monuments and tourist attractions.
The program featured a traditional food and drinks, and the Ethiopian coffee ceremony as key components. It was reported that many of the guests who attended the event expressed a strong interest in visiting Ethiopia to experience its tourist attractions first hand.
Ambassador Ervin Massinga: The U.S. Supports Ethiopia’s Peaceful and Diplomatic Efforts to Secure Sea Access
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, stated that the U.S. government supports Ethiopia’s peaceful and diplomatic efforts to gain access to the sea.
Ambassador Massinga also noted Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s strong commitment to pursuing sea access through peaceful and diplomatic means.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s large population and fast-growing economy, the ambassador expressed optimism that this growth will continue. He underlined the importance of broadening Ethiopia’s options for sea access to help realize the country’s vision of becoming a globally competitive economy.
He reaffirmed that the U.S. government supports Ethiopia’s peaceful diplomatic push for maritime access, recognizing its critical role in achieving sustainable development.
Ambassador Massinga also stated that Ethiopia is steadily returning to peace and stability, and emphasized America’s strong strategic interest in working with Ethiopia as a key player in the Horn of Africa.
He described Ethiopia not only as a large country but also as one with significant capacity and influence. He reiterated that countries in the region must work together to foster lasting peace and stability
Highlighting Ethiopia’s large population and fast-growing economy, the ambassador expressed optimism that this growth will continue. He underlined the importance of broadening Ethiopia’s options for sea access to help realize the country’s vision of becoming a globally competitive economy.
He reaffirmed that the U.S. government supports Ethiopia’s peaceful diplomatic push for maritime access, recognizing its critical role in achieving sustainable development.
Ambassador Massinga also stated that Ethiopia is steadily returning to peace and stability, and emphasized America’s strong strategic interest in working with Ethiopia as a key player in the Horn of Africa.
He described Ethiopia not only as a large country but also as one with significant capacity and influence. He reiterated that countries in the region must work together to foster lasting peace and stability.
H.E. Ambassador Binalf Andualem met with Vinny D. Spera, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of African Affairs of the State Department at the Ethiopian Embassy and discussed the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ethiopia. They also exchanged opinions on regional and global issues and committed to coordinating their actions. The Deputy Assistant Secretary emphasized the current administration’s focus on economic cooperation, while the Ambassador provided an overview of the reforms taking place in Ethiopia and their importance for strengthening the economic partnership between the two countries.
Meeting Held with Ethiopian Investors Attending SelectUSA Summit-2025
H.E. Binalf Andualem, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to the United States, hosted a discussion at the Embassy with Ethiopian investors participating in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2025. During the forum, the Ambassador extended a warm welcome to the President and Board Members of the Ethio-American Chamber of Commerce, the Acting Director of African Affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Ethiopian and Ethiopian-American investors residing in the DMV area, and other invited guests.
In his opening remarks, the Ambassador emphasized that the event creates an opportunity for the investor delegation from Ethiopia and those residing in the United States to build meaningful relationships and effectively capitalize on the investment and market opportunities available in Ethiopia.
The Ethio-American Chamber of Commerce and the African Affairs Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce encouraged American investors to explore the trade and investment opportunities available in Ethiopia and emphasized that the Embassy serves as a vital bridge to facilitate this engagement.
The event held at the Embassy served as a forum for the investor delegation from Ethiopia to connect with their American counterparts and to strengthen existing relationships.
The Embassy of Ethiopia held discussions with Events DC
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the US H.E Binalf Andualm held a discussion with Ms. Angie M. Gates, President and CEO of Events DC, an organization renowned for hosting major conferences, entertainment, sports, and cultural events in Washington, DC as well as with members of the management team.
In his speech, the Ambassador emphasized that, in addition to enhancing diplomatic relations between the sister cities of Addis Ababa and Washington, DC, the initiative will also strengthen cultural, economic, and institutional cooperation between the two capitals. He added that Ethiopia has recently completed the construction of a state-of-the-art Addis International Convention Center (AICC) that is unique in its design and built to international standards, which is now operational.
In addition, the Ambassador stated that to ensure the success of the newly operational international convention center, it is essential to exchange experiences and collaborate with established institutions in the field, such as Events DC.
The President and CEO of Events DC, for her part, expressed her institution’s readiness to share its experience and collaborate in any way necessary.
While in Washington, DC for a separate engagement, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, joined the discussion. He highlighted Ethiopia’s emergence as a hub for international conferences and stressed the value of applying Events DC’s best practices to support the success of the Addis International Convention Center.
H.E. Ambassador Binalf Andualem took part in an event organized by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a briefing on the current State of the Administration on May 8, 2025. During the event, Ambassador Binalef met with Christopher Landau, the Deputy Secretary of State of the U.S., and they exchanged ideas. The Deputy Secretary acknowledged the overall improvements in Ethiopia and expressed commitment to working together. Ambassador Binalf conveyed his confidence that their discussion on the state of the relationship between Ethiopia and the United States will serve as a foundation for future structured engagements
