Ethiopia and Spain explore avenues to strengthen development cooperation

Addis Ababa, February 19, 2025 (FMC) – In a significant step toward deepening bilateral ties and advancing shared development priorities, Semereta Sewasew, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance, welcomed Mr. Antón Leis García, Director of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), and his delegation for high-level discussions in Addis Ababa.

During the meeting, State Minister Semereta expressed gratitude for Spain’s steadfast support during Ethiopia’s economic recovery and peacebuilding efforts. She emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling ongoing challenges, particularly through strengthening domestic resource mobilization, promoting self-reliance, and enhancing resilience in critical sectors such as agriculture and health.

Mr. García reaffirmed Spain’s dedication to expanding its development partnership with Ethiopia, building on the Framework Agreement signed last February. This agreement focuses on Universal Health Coverage, Resilient and Inclusive Rural Development, and Gender Equality—key pillars that align with Ethiopia’s long-term development strategy. He also stressed the importance of effective resource allocation to ensure impact, calling for deeper collaboration to avoid fragmentation and duplication.

Guillermo López Mac-Lellan, Ambassador of Spain to Ethiopia, highlighted the importance of Ethiopia’s participation in the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), set to take place in Sevilla, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, 2025.

The conference presents a vital opportunity to reform global financing mechanisms, including support for restructuring the international financial architecture. High-level stakeholders from around the world will gather to strengthen international cooperation and build on previous outcomes.