Addis Ababa, March 11, 2025 (FMC) — The future boded well for the EU and Ethiopia to further enhance their cooperation as Ethiopia continues to be one of EU’s most important partners on the African continent, EU Ambassador Sofie From-Emmesberger said.
Briefing the media in connection with the EU-Ethiopia 50-Year Milestone today, the EU ambassador pointed out that Ethiopia has been and continues to be one of the EU’s most important partners on the African continent.
Given Ethiopia’s history as co-founder of the United Nations, she stated that the EU views the country as an invaluable co-champion in upholding and promoting multilateralism and a rules-based international order.
In connection with this, the ambassador cited Ethiopia’s invaluable contribution for regional peace and stability.
“All this is a testament fact that what started as mostly economic partnership has grown into a robust and diverse relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests and joint initiatives.”
According to the ambassador, the EU and Ethiopia signed a “Strategic Engagement” in 2016, committing both sides to close cooperation in different areas.
“With Prime Minister Abiy taking office and the development that followed, the EU adopted Conclusions on Ethiopia in 2018, taking note of the new impetus on political and economic reforms and welcoming the ambitious agenda towards a more democratic and welcoming the ambitious agenda towards a more democratic and just Ethiopian society.”
Praising the recent economic reform undertaken by the government, the ambassador reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia for the success of the ongoing reform agenda.
For the ambassador, the future bodes well for the EU and Ethiopia to further enhance cooperation, including through the EU Global Gateway and the Horn of Africa Initiative.
Key focus areas for the EU’s engagement are cooperation in renewable energy supporting Ethiopia’s homegrown Green Legacy Initiative, digitalization, agriculture and connecting to all these strands, in the private sector, Ambassador From-Emmesberger elaborated.
On his part, Europe and America Affairs Deputy Director-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Abraham Mengistu said Ethiopia has been enjoying long-standing relations with EU and its member countries.
Adding that Ethiopia has always been grateful for its relations with the EU, the director-general stressed that the country also wishes to see more investment and trade.
During the occasion, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further bolstering the long-standing relations in the coming years, as called by local news agency ENA.