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Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu wraps up week-long panel discussion with Ambassadors and diplomats. (January 18)
Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh shed light on contemporary political dynamics of Ethiopia and its implication on foreign relations as well as in-depth look at prospects and challenges on Ethiopia’s economy in line with its Economic Diplomacy venture.
Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh said “Ethiopia’s voice is heard loud and clear across the globe despite lingering and looming geopolitical and global trends.” “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”, he added.
Commending the Ministry’s sound institutional reform to replenish the Ministry’s overall posture and stamina, Minister Dr. Workneh said, “The institutional reform is part and parcel of our move to enhance, better equip and trigger confidence across the board to meet our vision and mission for the advancement of #Ethiopia’s national interests.”
Minister Dr. Workneh also accentuated the Ministry’s vision for a prosperous and sustainable Republic fully integrated in a globalized and equitable world complementing our Diplomatic network overseas for a greater visibility and outreach.
Currently, Ethiopia stands tall with 46 Embassies and 14 Consulates abroad.

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 – Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, met with the newly appointed Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the AU and Head of UN Office to AU (UNOAU) Ms. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh.
On the occasion, Dr Workneh said Ethiopia was working with both the United Nations and the African Union in different fields to see a more stable Africa.
“I’m confident that the appointment of Ms. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh will serve as a bridge in cementing the bond between the AU and UN,” he added.
The Foreign Minister assured that the government will offer support in the discharge of her responsibilities.
The Special Representative expressed her commitment to work closely with the government of Ethiopian and other pertinent bodies to strengthen the ties between the UN and AU.
“I’m happy to be here in Ethiopia,” she added.

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.

Addis Ababa, January 17, 2019 – African Heads of State and Government today met in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa to review the political and security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ethiopia’s ri e inister r Abi Ah ed rrent hair o A and resident o anda a l a a e o th A rican resident ril a aphosa andan resident o eri seveni and hairperson o the A o ission o ssa a i aha at are in attendance of the summit
In his opening remark at the summit kicked off at the African Union headquarters, Paul Kagame, said the efforts being made to find African solutions for African problems is important to prevent foreign interference.
The crisis occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo following the presidential elections held on 30th December 2018 should be resolved by authorized institutions in the country, Kagame said.
Despite an invitation from AU, President of DRC Joseph Kabila is unable to attend the meeting due to current situation in the country. However, he is ready to accept if the African Union comes up with solutions, he said.
hairperson o the A rican nion o ission o ssa a i aha at for his part said toda ’s eetin as called ith a vie to inding a viable solution that appeals to all stakeholders involved in the DRC situation.

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.

The week-long annual conference of Ambassadors, Consuls Generals, and Directors Generals of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is well underway. State Minister Dr. Markos Tekle will be leading the panel discussion to have a detailed discussion on significant progresses, and challenges of the Ministry in our diplomatic missions.
The subsequent discussions will also emphasize on contemporary regional and global issues affecting Ethiopia and its neighbors, reviewing our economic diplomacy venture, as well as diaspora engagement in country development.
Currently, Ethiopia maintains 46 Embassies abroad as well as 14 consulates.

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.

His Excellency Ambassador Kassa Tekleberhan held discussions on January 10, 2019 with senior representatives of several U.S. companies. The Ambassador briefed the participants on the immense business and investment opportunities available in Ethiopia for American businesses. He has also explained the economic and political reform measures that are currently being undertaken in Ethiopia. More than 30 leading U.S. companies attended the event. The discussion forum was organized by the Business Council for International Understanding. BCIU is a U.S. based organization that works to expand international business and investment by facilitating mutually beneficial relationships between business and government leaders worldwide. It has 200 member companies, including many Fortune 500 firms.

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 9, 2019 – President Sahle-Work Zewde held discussions with Prime Minister Leo Varadkaris of Ireland later today.
President Sahle-Work appreciated the excellent relations between Ethiopia and Ireland. She immensely thanked the Irish Government for the support provided in agriculture, health, education and social protection sectors. The President further said Ethiopia and Ireland are committed to boost ties in all domains in the spirit of mutual benefits and cooperation mainly in Argo-processing Industrial parks. Highlighting collaboration on a myriad of bilateral and regional issues of common interest, Prime Minister Varadkaris said, “Ethiopia has been our single key international partner for 25 years and we would like to further deepen our relations. “We support the recent political and economic reforms undertaken by Ethiopia; Ireland is committed to boost business, trade and investment cooperation with Ethiopia,” he added. Prime Minister Varadkaris pointed out that Ethiopia and Ireland have longstanding and excellent relations. The President noted the importance of strengthening cooperation on both bilateral and multilateral venues, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ireland opened its embassy in Addis Ababa in 1994, and Ethiopia resumed its mission in Dublin, in 2003.

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.