– Strengthens int’l relations
ADDIS ABABA – Despite numerous challenges, Ethiopia has achieved significant diplomatic milestones over the past year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
Former MoFA Spokesperson Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla stated that Ethiopia has successfully navigated various international issues, signing 12 bilateral agreements with neighboring countries, 71 agreements aimed at advancing national interests, and ratifying 140 other agreements. Additionally, 195 resolutions were passed at international conferences, with high-level diplomatic visits conducted across Europe and Asia during the fiscal year.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) led delegations to several countries, including Tanzania, China, Russia, Italy, Malta, South Africa, the Czech Republic, Germany, Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. These visits strengthened bilateral and multilateral relationships and advanced Ethiopia’s national interests, with 44 high-level official visits occurring last year alone.
Ambassador Nebiyu also highlighted Ethiopia’s active participation in multilateral diplomacy, with the country engaging in 501 sessions at the United Nations and other global forums. Key sectors such as tourism, education, petroleum, and transport saw agreements signed with neighboring countries, while the exchange of convicted and imprisoned citizens was another area of cooperation.
“Though it had encountered tenacious challenges, Ethiopia is continuing with meticulous and strong diplomacy that has enabled it to ensure its national interest. Tourism, education, capacity building, petroleum, and transport are among the main areas that Ethiopia was signed agreements with neighboring countries last year. Many agreements have been signed regarding the exchange of convicted and imprisoned citizens, he elaborated.
In last year, Ethiopia successfully hosted significant summits, including the 37th African Union Summit and the 44th Summit of Foreign Ministers. These diplomatic efforts helped reduce international pressures, particularly from the United Nations, and positioned the country as a key player in the African Urban Forum and the 4th International Finance for Development Conference.
Political Science Lecturer Mulugeta Debebe (PhD) from the Ethiopian Civil Service University commended Ethiopia’s diplomatic achievements, noting that the country’s independent foreign policy has allowed it to benefit greatly. Ethiopia’s entry into the BRICS family was one of the most notable diplomatic successes of the past year, highlighting its growing global influence.
The expert emphasized the need for Ethiopia to continue its constructive diplomatic efforts to safeguard national interests.
BY MESERETBEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2024
