The people and government of Ethiopia warmly welcome President of France, Emmanuel Macron. The President’s visit comes as a continuation of the high level state visit between Ethiopia and France, which were monumental in laying strong foundation for the long standing ties of the two countries’.
The exchange of state visits between Ethiopia and France stands as a symbol of the all-round and ever growing ties of the two countries as they have exchanged repeated visits by their respective leaders.
For instance in October 2018, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited France, while earlier visits included former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn’s trips in 2013 and 2015.
On the French side, President Emmanuel Macron visited Ethiopia in March 2019, following Presidents François Hollande in 2013 and Nicolas Sarkozy in 2011.
The overall diplomatic relations between the two countries spans about a century with the opening of embassies. Since then Ethiopia and France have intensified their ties in economy, culture and diplomacy.
In terms of economic ties, bilateral trade between the countries reached €655 million in 2018. French exports to Ethiopia totaled €615 million, while imports from Ethiopia amounted to €38 million. France’s key exports include Airbus aircraft (particularly the A350 for Ethiopian Airlines), pharmaceuticals, and machinery, while Ethiopia mainly exports raw coffee and agricultural products to France. France is a leading European investor in Ethiopia, with 57 companies operating in the country, employing around 4,900 people.
Over the years Ethiopia and France have built an uninterrupted record of pioneering trade ventures especially in the transport sector that spans from the introduction of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway to the recent acquisition of Airbus A 350-1000 which is first of its kind in Africa.
France is a strong partner of Ethiopia in the field cultural cooperation. France has supported projects such as the renovation of Lalibela’s Cave Churches and the restoration of the Jubilee Palace, former residence of Emperor Haile Selassie.
The long standing cultural ties are strengthened by the Alliance Française in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa cities as well as the Lycée Guébré Mariam, a French school in Addis Ababa. Additionally, the two countries collaborate in higher education, with French scholarships for Ethiopian students, and scientific cooperation through the French Centre for Ethiopian Studies (CFEE), focusing on archaeology and environmental research.
Military cooperation grew with a defense agreement signed in March 2019, facilitating mutual military support. France is aiding Ethiopia in rebuilding its navy and offering officer training at France’s Naval Academy. Both countries are enhancing peacekeeping efforts through the Ethiopian International Peacekeeping Training Center (EIPKTC) and cooperating on counterterrorism and regional security in the Horn of Africa.
Nevertheless, the two countries have also established exemplary cooperation’s in other sectors like environment, health care … etc.
President Macron’s current visit comes at the right moment as the two countries have to intensify their collaborations in all sectors especially in economy and peace and security. Ethiopia has recently launched the long awaited macro-economic reform which is believed to revamp the performance of its economy and opens up itself for the involvement of foreign companies or investors. As a strong economic partner, France can play meaningful role in the realization of Ethiopia’s economic reform.
Most of all it is high time for Ethiopia and France to reinforce their cooperation in military or peace and security. The security in the Horn of Africa as well as the red sea region is of vital importance not only for the countries of the region but also for the rest of the world including France.
The Ethiopian Herald December 22/2024
