24.05.2024
A High-level Conference under the Theme “Revisiting Ethiopia’s Role in FOCAC and the Path Ahead” Convenes in Addis Ababa
Chinese Business Delegation Galvanizes Agricultural and Mining Cooperation in Ethiopia
Ethiopia and Republic of Korea Commemorate 73rd Anniversary of the Korean war, Honoring War Veterans
NEWS IN BRIEF
President Sahle-Work Zewde, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Taye Atske Slassie expressed their deepest condolences on Monday (May 20) for the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other Iranian officials. Their messages conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of the deceased.
President Sahle-Work bid farewell to the outgoing Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan on Friday (May 17). She thanked him for his great contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries during his three and a half-year tenure.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Chairman of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), Wang Tongzhou, at his office on Thursday (May 23). The Premier shared the various national potential areas that warrant further engagement and investment from CCCC.
Prime Minister Office launched a new book on Monday (May 20) at Friendship Park Phase II, Addis Ababa, titled “Meskerem to Meskerem.” The publication features 91 messages and speeches delivered by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed between October 2022 and September 2023 at a range of national events, international venues, and public holidays. You may download the book here: https://www.pmo.gov.et/
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the ‘Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubark’ boarding school built in Addis Ababa by the Office of the First Lady for visually impaired persons on Monday (May 19). The boarding school was built with support obtained from Sheikha Fatima, the mother of Sheihk Mohammed bin Zayed, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The school, which will receive students from grades 9 to 12, encompasses vital services convenient for visually impaired students, including classrooms, a cafeteria, a library, and other state-of-the art facilities.
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, in tandem with other high-level government officials, visited the STRIDE Ethiopia 2024 Expo on Wednesday (May 22), which has been taking place in Addis Ababa since May 10. The Stride Ethiopia 2024 Expo was officially launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on May 18, 2024. The annual Expo will run until May 26, 2024, with the motto “Science Unlocks, Technology Connects, Innovation Drives” at the Science Museum in the capital. At the expo, public and private institutions as well as start-ups are showcasing their technological innovations. In his presentation at a panel discussion held on the sidelines of the Expo, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said that Ethiopia is working very hard to build a digital economy.
The 6th Ethio-Saudi Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting took place in Riyadh from May 21–22. Led by Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie, the delegation participated in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The two nations agreed to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including peace, security, trade, investment, livestock, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and minerals.
Additionally, Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie engaged with the Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to explore further areas of collaboration in trade and investment, particularly in livestock resources. He also met with the Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Chamber of Commerce, Hassan Moejeb Alhwaizy, and emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to creating an attractive investment environment through ongoing reforms and inviting Saudi investors to participate in trade and investment activities. The Chairman expressed Saudi investors’ eagerness to engage in Ethiopia, particularly in agricultural product processing and manufacturing, and announced a delegation’s upcoming visit to Ethiopia in August.
Ambassador Mesganu Arga, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, warmly welcomed in his office on Monday (May 20), a delegation led by Ambassador Fouad Yazourh, Director General of Bilateral Relations at the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides engaged in consultations on avenues to further strengthen the cooperative relations between Ethiopia and Morocco. Specifically, they concurred on the need to review and reinforce the existing cooperation agreements in the domains of trade, investment, finance, air service, and education. Beyond their bilateral agenda, the two delegations also exchanged views on areas of potential collaboration in continental and international affairs.
A cornerstone for the construction of the Ethiopian Embassy in Dodoma, Tanzania, was laid on Saturday (May 18). Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, had the honor of placing the cornerstone along with Tanzanian government officials and MPs.
A high-level conference under the theme “Revisiting Ethiopia’s Role in FOCAC and the Path Ahead” convened in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (May 21), which was organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) in collaboration with the Embassy of China in Addis Ababa. (See article)
Ethiopia has been selected to host the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the ID4Africa Movement on Wednesday (May 22) during the 2024 continental annual general gathering on Digital Identity program, which was held this week in Cape Town, South Africa. The Ethiopian delegation, led by Head of National ID Program Yodahe Araya-Sellasie and Ethiopian Ambassador to South Africa Muktar Kedir, participated in the ID4Africa 2024 annual general meeting in Cape Town.
Addis Ababa and Chongqing solidified their partnership through the signing of a sister-city agreement during a visit by a delegation led by Jemalu Jenber Bekele, Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa, to Chongqing, China, on Wednesday (May 22). The Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing announced the agreement’s signing, emphasizing its significance in fostering cooperation between the two cities.
The Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD) announced on Monday (May 20) that Ethiopia’s economy is on track to achieve the projected 7.9 percent growth rate for the 2023–24 fiscal year. Minister Fitsum Aseffa stated that the performance in the agriculture, industry, and service sectors over the past nine months indicates that the target is attainable by the end of the fiscal year.
Ethiopian and Chinese officials on Tuesday (May 21) called for enhancing the multifaceted cooperation between China and Africa under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The call was made at a high-level conference titled “Revisiting Ethiopia’s Role in the FOCAC and the Way Forward” in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. (See article)
The Minister of Labor and Skills, Muferihat Kamil, held a discussion on Monday (May 21) with Eta Abdulwahab Al-Aghel, Director General for Women’s Empowerment at the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in Riyadh. According to the Ethiopian Embassy in Riyadh, the two dignitaries engaged in a bilateral consultation regarding the legal employment of Ethiopian citizens within Saudi Arabia.
An Ethiopian delegation headed by Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Simie, attended the 3rd edition of the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The three-day forum, which was held from May 20 to 22, brought together 30 ministers and over 5,000 leaders and experts in the global civil aviation industry from 120 countries. Themed “Enhancing the Level of Global Connectivity,” the third edition of the forum reportedly presented a valuable opportunity for global aviation leaders to unlock new avenues aimed at enhancing the aviation industry sector. Minister Alemu is expected to hold bilateral discussions with various parties on the sidelines of the forum in Riyadh.
Senior military officials of Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia held discussions on Tuesday (May 21) aimed at elevating the level of intelligence and security cooperation between the two nations. The Ethiopian delegation, led by General Getachew Gudina, the head of the Defense Intelligence Department, was in Saudi Arabia for a working visit. During the talks, the two sides identified key areas where their respective defense forces could collaborate more closely, including the exchange of military intelligence, capacity building initiatives, technical cooperation, and mutual support. They also discussed national, regional, and global common security issues.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Ethiopian Armed Forces, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, engaged in high-level discussions with his Italian counterpart, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, in Rome on Monday (May 20) during an official state visit to Italy. Field Marshal Birhanu Jula and Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone convened for a substantive dialogue focused on enhancing military cooperation between the two nations.
An Ethiopian delegation, led by Minister of Education Professor Berhanu Nega, is attending the Education World Forum, which is being held in London and hosted by the UK government. The forum, which commenced on Sunday (May 19), serves as a vital gathering for Ministers of Education, Higher Education, and Skills from across the globe to address key educational challenges and share successful strategies.
A delegation of 76 Pakistani business companies, including prominent firms, will visit Ethiopia from May 26–31, 2024, as part of the second business and trade delegation to the country. The visit aims to explore trade and investment opportunities, as announced by the spokesperson of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla, during the weekly press briefing held on Thursday (May 23).
A delegation of 36 Chinese companies led by Wu Zhaoshu, Deputy Director General of the Management Committee of the Economic and Technical Development Zone of Changsha City in Hunan Province, China, undertook a strategic visit to Ethiopia from May 13 to May 16, 2024. (See article).
The Second SINOMA Cement Green and Intelligent Summit was held in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, last week on May 17. Ethiopian Ambassador to China Tefera Derbew Yimam shared the characteristics and initiatives of Ethiopia’s cement industry and green development. He said SINOMA International has promoted local cement production and created massive jobs when joining large-scale cement projects, acknowledging the company’s contribution to Ethiopia’s cement industry. He extended an invitation to all interested companies to invest in Ethiopia’s cement sector.
The government of Ethiopia has been exerting efforts to expand solar water pumps for irrigation development in an effort to raise the productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers in the country, according to the Ministry of Water and Energy. A panel discussion was held last week on Friday under the title “The Benefit of Business Case Approach for Sustainable Promotion of Solar Water Pump Irrigation System.” The panel was organized by SNV (Sustainable Energy for Smallholder Farmers) and the Ethiopian Solar Energy Development Association.
The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration disclosed that Ethiopia has obtained more than 2.5 billion USD in the past nine months of the Ethiopian Fiscal Year. The ministry revealed on Friday (May 17) that it achieved 2.51 billion USD, which is 70.49 percent against the 3.56 target. This was achieved by a 73.6 percent contribution from the agriculture sector, 51.54 percent from manufacturing, 66.53 percent from mining, electricity, and other products (71.25 percent), the ministry pointed out.
The Ethiopian Embassy in Istanbul announced on Monday (May 20) that the upcoming Ethiopia-Türkiye Trade and Investment Forum is set to be held on May 27, 2024. The event will take place at Müsiad’s headquarters, located in Istanbul, Türkiye. This high-level business forum aims to showcase investment prospects and market opportunities within Ethiopia, underscoring the nation’s commitment to fostering economic growth and international partnerships.
The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Association and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, solemnly marked the 73rd anniversary of Ethiopian war veterans who valiantly served in the Korean War. The event, held in Addis Ababa on Saturday (May 11), was a poignant tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Ethiopian soldiers who participated in the war under the auspices of the United Nations forces in the 1950s. (See article).
Djibouti
Ethiopia’s delegation, led by Minister of State for FDRE Trade and Regional Integration, Kasahun Gofe, conducted a working visit to Djibouti on Monday (May 20). During the visit, discussions were held with the Secretary General of Trade and Tourism of Djibouti, Ali Daoud, as a follow-up meeting to the recent 16th Joint Ministerial Commission mid-term performance meeting in Djibouti. Recommendations were made to enhance coordination on trade frameworks and combat illegal border trade. The visit culminated in a signing ceremony between Ethiopia’s Minister of State for Trade and Regional Relations, Kasahun Gofe, and Ali Daoud, Secretary General of Trade and Tourism of Djibouti.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed appreciation to the government of Djibouti for helping Filipino seafarers affected by the Houthi missile attack on M/V True Confidence in the Gulf of Aden last March. Marcos thanked Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Djibouti Ibrahim Bileh Doualeh during his courtesy call at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday (May 22).
Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received the United States Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer, on Sunday (May 19), for a discussion centered on peace and security in the region. The two sides also deliberated on the forthcoming biennial meeting scheduled for next month in Washington.
The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) signed an agreement on Tuesday (May 21) with Trade Mark Africa and Idaptive Data Fusion System PLC to develop comprehensive e-learning and knowledge management systems in Ethiopia’s horticulture sector. The project is part of a wider program on the Ethio- Djibouti corridor under the theme: “Promoting regional economic integration in the Horn of Africa through the development of the Djibouti corridor.” The project is also expected to be funded by the European Union through Agence Française de Development (AFD).
Kenya
Kenyan President William Ruto visits the United States for a three-day state visit. The President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, hosted President William Ruto on Wednesday (May 22) for a roundtable at the White House in Washington, D.C. The visit coincides with Kenya’s preparation to deploy 1,000 police officers to Haiti as part of a U.N.-led effort to address the security crisis in the Caribbean nation. President Ruto began his U.S. visit in Atlanta to further cement the relationship between the two nations.
Kenya will send military personnel to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, this week with hopes of stabilizing the island country’s widespread turmoil since the capital fell last year. Since 2023, the United Nations Integration Office in Haiti (BINUH) has reported over 8,400 direct victims of gang violence, up 122% from 2022. Kenyan delegates have been selected to work alongside the Haitian National Police Force, funded by $300 million USD under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. The MSS is time-bound and subject to periodic review, per U.N. Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2699.
Kenya is currently in negotiations with Saudi Aramco to secure a floating LPG facility that aims to increase supply and lower fuel costs in Kenya. The floating LPG ship, due to be situated off Mombasa’s port, is expected to process 30,000 metric tons of fuel and will temporarily serve as a storage and bottling plant.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with the Russian Ambassador to Djibouti and Somalia, Mikhail Golovanov, in Mogadishu on Monday (May 20). The discussions focused on a range of topics, including security, social, and humanitarian issues.
Following this, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, received Ambassador Golovanov at his office in Mogadishu on Tuesday (May 21).
Additionally, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Ambassador Souef Mohamed El-Amine, held a meeting with Ambassador Golovanov on Tuesday to discuss similar topics.
Turkey is set to construct and donate an embassy building and a plot of land to Somalia at a cost estimated to reach over $6 million, according to a deal submitted to the Turkish parliament on Monday (May 20).
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with his Kenyan counterpart, President William Ruto, at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday (May 19). During the closed-door meeting, the two leaders engaged in discussions on a wide range of important issues, including strengthening the multi-faceted strategic cooperation between the two countries in different areas mutually beneficial to both sides.
The UN Security Council (UNSC) decided to sanction three leaders of the al-Shabaab terror group in Somalia, according to a statement on Tuesday (May 21). The statement said the three leaders have been added to the sanctions list under Security Council Resolution 2713. It said those sanctioned would be denied access to funds and be subjected to travel restrictions. The Permanent Mission of the UK to the UN wrote on Wednesday on X that the decision was made following requests from Somalia.
The imminent exit of more African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis) and the ultimate expiry of the force’s mandate at the end of this year have triggered unease among troop-contributing countries, with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto raising the alarm for the need to revisit the pullout plan to avert a security vacuum. The two leaders, whose countries contribute troops to Atmis, said after a meeting at State House, Nairobi, last week on Thursday that they were concerned about the threat of terrorism and insecurity “in our region and affirmed their commitment to strengthen regional peace and security approaches and programmes.” According to the United Nations Security Council road map, 4,000 Atmis troops are expected to leave Somalia at the end of June, in addition to the 5,000 who exited the mission last year in phases one and two of the drawdown.
Somalia’s disaster agency issued a warning issued a warning on Tuesday (May 21) about the impending Tropical Cyclone Ialy, which is expected to make landfall in the southwestern and southern regions as well as the capital of Mogadishu. Heavy rains and flash floods have caused damage and displacement across Somalia since the beginning of this year.
The United Nations humanitarian agency said on Sunday (May 20) that it has stepped up its response to tackle the cholera outbreak in Somalia, as the death toll has increased to 120 since January. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said a total of 10,647 new cases of cholera have been reported in seven states, representing a case fatality rate of 1.1 percent. The OCHA said the heavy rains pounding the country are expected to worsen the current outbreak of acute watery diarrhea (AWD)/cholera, which is already significantly high in some hotspot locations.
South Sudan
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), through the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), convened a three-day regional forum in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, on Monday (May 20) to discuss the threatening impacts of climate change in the Greater Horn of Africa.
South Sudan on Tuesday (May 21) officially joined the Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa (MEFMI). South Sudan becomes the 15th member of the regional institute. The accession document was signed by South Sudan’s Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Dr. James Alic Garang, and Louis Kasekende, Executive Director of MEFMI.
The former Prime Minister and head of the Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces, Abdalla Hamdok, and the leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement, Abdel Wahid Mohamed Nour, signed the Nairobi Declaration on Saturday (May 18), which stipulated joint action. Hamdok and Nour discussed it on Friday and Saturday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The Nairobi Declaration stipulated joint work to confront the risks threatening Sudan and find sustainable solutions.
Africa has observed the 61st anniversary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and its successor, the African Union, in Addis Ababa. The 61st anniversary of Africa Day was held in Ethiopia at the newly built Adwa Memorial Museum in the capital. This year’s anniversary is commemorated under the theme “Together Free, Prosperous and Strongly United Africa.”
The African Union also commemorates the twenty-first anniversary of the official launch of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), which took place on May 25, 2004.
The second edition of the Global South-South Summit was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May 22–23, under the theme “Promoting International Cooperation in the Global South.” The summit was attended by representatives from various nations and international institutions. The summit aimed to bolster South-South cooperation by facilitating the exchange of sustainable development experiences, innovations, and knowledge in the utilization of decentralized renewable energy sources.
Above-normal rainfall is predicted over most parts of the Greater Horn of Africa for June to September, including Djibouti, Eritrea, central and northern Ethiopia, western and coastal Kenya, much of Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan. This is according to the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), which serves as a WMO regional climate center. The forecast was issued at the Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum, which brings together climate scientists, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and climate sensitive sectors.
The 10th Forum of the African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL) commenced on Tuesday (May 21) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a distinguished opening session led by AUCIL Chairperson Kevin Ferdinand Ndjimba. Papers were presented and followed by discussions that covered various sub-themes of transitional justice and armed conflict, including conflict resolution, emerging conflict forms, challenges in transitional and restorative justice, post-conflict reconstruction and a dedicated session focused on the future of international criminal justice in Africa.
African countries could leverage their vast renewable energy resources, tropical forests, peatlands, and marine ecosystems to export premium carbon credits, providing a new revenue stream, according to the 2024 Economic Report on Africa by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), launched at the recently concluded tenth Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-10) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The report says carbon markets could support Africa’s goals of resilience and prosperity, in line with Agenda 2063. They also present a potential path for achieving the Paris Agreement’s climate goals.
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A High-level Conference under the Theme “Revisiting Ethiopia’s Role in FOCAC and the Path Ahead” Convenes in Addis Ababa
Organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) in collaboration with the Embassy of China in Addis Ababa, a high-level conference under the theme “Revisiting Ethiopia’s Role in FOCAC and the Path Ahead” convened in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (May 21). The conference aimed to delve into avenues for bolstering the multifaceted cooperation between China and Africa within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
In an opening address, Ambassador Eshete Tilahun, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that FOCAC has emerged as a robust and effective platform for advancing Africa-China cooperation. It has facilitated pivotal infrastructure projects, improved connectivity, stimulated trade, attracted foreign direct investment, and nurtured entrepreneurship across Africa. Ambassador Eshete underscored that since its inception in 2000, FOCAC has been pivotal in nurturing cooperation, embodying shared aspirations, mutual respect, people-to-people connectivity, and a collaborative ethos between China and Africa.
Aligned with the conference’s theme of reevaluating Ethiopia’s role in FOCAC, the forum sought to explore prospective areas of collaboration, fortify Ethiopia’s position within the FOCAC framework, and foster open dialogue and economic cooperation to mutually reinforce partnerships.
Minister Counselor Yang Yihang of the Chinese Embassy in Addis Ababa reiterated Ethiopia’s crucial participation in FOCAC since its inception. He highlighted the successes achieved under the FOCAC cooperation framework, particularly citing initiatives such as the Ethio-Djibouti railway. Recognizing Ethiopia as a major destination for Chinese investment, Minister Counselor Yang pledged to further incentivize enterprises to seize investment opportunities in Ethiopia.
Under the auspices of FOCAC, economic and trade relations between Ethiopia and China have witnessed substantial advancements. Minister Counselor Yang emphasized China as one of Ethiopia’s largest trade partners and sources of investment. Notably, in 2023, bilateral trade between China and Ethiopia surpassed three billion USD. Moreover, Chinese enterprises have significantly augmented investments in Ethiopia, with 223 new projects established last year alone, generating 65 thousand local jobs. As of the end of 2023, over 500 Chinese enterprises have invested in more than 2000 projects in Ethiopia, totaling approximately five billion USD in capital and creating 580, 000 local jobs.
Anteneh Getachew, Director General of Asia and Pacific Affairs at the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), emphasized the pivotal role of FOCAC in promoting trade, investment, and people-to-people relations with China. He stressed Ethiopia’s indispensable collaboration with FOCAC, highlighting the conference’s objective to delineate future areas of cooperation and bolster Ethiopia’s leadership in the Forum on Africa-China Cooperation.
The conference attracted various stakeholders, officials, and experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with both virtual and in-person attendance facilitating presentations and discussions.
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) serves as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration and partnership between China and African nations. Established in 2000, FOCAC facilitates dialogue and cooperation on various fronts, including economic development, trade, investment, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges. Through FOCAC, China and African countries engage in strategic discussions, policy coordination, and practical cooperation initiatives aimed at advancing mutual development goals.
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Chinese Business Delegation Galvanizes Agricultural and Mining Cooperation in Ethiopia
A delegation of 36 Chinese companies led by Wu Zhaoshu, Deputy Director General of the Management Committee of the Economic and Technical Development Zone of Changsha City in Hunan Province, China, undertook a strategic visit to Ethiopia from May 13 to May 16, 2024.
During the visit, the delegation engaged in productive discussions with senior officials from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Mines and the Ethiopian Investment Commission. These discussions primarily focused on enhancing collaboration in trade and investment, particularly in the agriculture and mining sectors, while also fostering stronger business-to-business relationships.
Chinese Business delegates provided insights into their country’s business landscape, extending invitations for Ethiopian counterparts to participate in economic and trade events, such as the China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Expo, held biennially in Hunan Province. In turn, Ethiopian institutions expressed keen interest in participating in these events, demonstrating a mutual commitment to bolstering economic cooperation.
Subsequently, the delegation participated in the China-Ethiopia Agriculture and Mining Industry Cooperation Fair held at Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Thursday (May 16). Organized by the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Changsha Municipal Bureau of Commerce, and the Ethiopian Youth Entrepreneurs Association, the fair aimed to unite Ethiopian and Chinese business communities.
During the opening ceremony, Ambassador Negus Kebede, Deputy Director General of the Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Countries Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, highlighted the significance of the event in fostering tangible industry cooperation between the two countries.
Wu Zhaoshu, Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Changsha Economic and Technical Development Zone, emphasized Hunan’s pivotal role in maintaining robust business exchanges with Ethiopia.
Aklilu Tadesse, CEO of Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation; Eng. Melaku Ezezew, President of Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association; Samiya Abdulakdir, President of Ethiopian Youth Entrepreneurs Association; representatives from the Ethiopian Investment Commission and the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, along with 36 Chinese companies and their Ethiopian counterparts were in attendance.
The fair was accompanied by a B2B session on investment, trade and procurement projects in mining, agriculture and other industries.
The visit of the Chinese delegation underscores the growing momentum of economic collaboration between China and Ethiopia, characterized by substantive discussions, networking endeavors, and a shared commitment to fostering economic integration.
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Ethiopia and Republic of Korea Commemorate 73rd Anniversary of the Korean War, Honoring War Veterans
The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Association and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Addis Ababa, solemnly marked the 73rd anniversary of Ethiopian war veterans who valiantly served in the Korean War on Saturday (May 11). The event, held in Addis Ababa, was a poignant tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Ethiopian soldiers who participated in the war under the auspices of the United Nations forces in the 1950s.
The event was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister; Ambassador Jang Kang, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ethiopia; Bauck Seung Joo, President of the Korean War Veterans Memorial; Shin Kwang Chull, Chairman of the Korean War Participating Veterans Memorial Association; and Colonel Estifanos Gebremeskel, President of the Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Association. Descendants of Ethiopian Korean war veterans and military attachés from various countries based in Addis Ababa also attended the ceremony.
The Chief Guest of Honor, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, the Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, delivered a stirring speech, paying homage to the Ethiopian war veterans and reaffirming the enduring bonds of friendship between Ethiopia and South Korea.
During his remarks, Ambassador Taye recalled that when the United Nations called upon its member states to provide military and material support to South Korea, Ethiopia responded immediately by sending more than 6,000 soldiers. These brave soldiers lined up alongside the armies of other peace-loving countries and achieved an impressive and brilliant victory.
Minister Taye Atske Selassie emphasized the importance of honoring the legacy of the Ethiopian Kagnew Battalion, whose contributions to the Korean War remain etched in history. He stressed the need to build a world where the sacrifices of war veterans are honored and the ideals for which they fought are upheld for generations to come.
On their part, Ambassador Jang Kang and Bauck Seung Joo lauded the bravery and sacrifice of Ethiopian war veterans, emphasizing the enduring friendship between South Korea and Ethiopia forged on the battlefield. They noted that the bravery and sacrifice of Ethiopian soldiers played a pivotal role in securing peace on the Korean Peninsula and reminded the world of the continuous struggle for freedom and democracy, which requires courage and solidarity. They also expressed deep gratitude for Ethiopia’s unwavering support during the Korean War and reiterated their commitment to strengthening the enduring bilateral ties between Ethiopia and Korea, continuing to honor the service of Ethiopian heroes.
Colonel Estifanos Gebremeskel, representing the Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Association, expressed profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by Ethiopian soldiers in defense of freedom and collective security. He highlighted the importance of preserving the memory of Ethiopian war veterans and ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The commemoration ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Memorial, where attendees paid solemn tribute to fallen heroes. The event served as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of camaraderie, sacrifice, and solidarity that binds Ethiopia and Korea together.
It is to be recalled that this historic occasion led Korea to establish its first diplomatic relations with Ethiopia in Africa, recognizing Ethiopia as the gateway to the continent. Since then, Ethiopia has fulfilled its international responsibilities by sending peacekeeping forces to various countries to ensure global peace and security. Ethiopia’s involvement in the Korean War paved the way for it to emerge as a prominent nation globally through its extensive deployment of peacekeeping forces.
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