The new diplomacy policy ratification is one of the topnotch current issues in the Ethiopian diplomats’ mind. The Ethiopian diplomats have gathered here in Addis to brainstorm on the new diplomacy policy of the country. Foreign ministry of Ethiopia (MFA) seems expressing its readiness to win the hearts of its friends’ countries through ratifying a new diplomacy policy.
In this regard other related issues are discussed. The Ethiopian Herald newspaper has approached Ambassador Grum Abay, Special Envoy, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Belgium, Luxembourg and E.U. institutions. Excerpts:
Herald: In its relations what kind of approaches does the embassy have with the respective countries and institutions?
Ambassador Grum: First of all, each embassy has its own specific direction upon birth.
Our embassy in Brussels was opened in 1917.It was specifically opened to follow
up and click with the European Union. Of course, there are also clicking with
the kingdom of Belgium. The embassy in Brussels is a multilateral embassy
basically working its relation with European Union and its commission. It works
on bilateral relations with Belgium, Luxembourg.
Herald: What type of relation does the embassy have with Belgium and/or European Commission?
Ambassador Grum: As I said earlier, the embassy primary focuses on multilateral not bilateral relations .That means the embassy primary focuses on European Union. The European Union is not a country;it is an institution. If you are talking about the relationship with European Union, it is a multilateral one.
In that case, with the European Union, we have political and economic relationships with regard to the region, the horn of Africa and Africa in general. Also we discuss Ethiopian political situation and domestic issues. Also, development cooperation comes from the European Union, and European Commission. On the bilateral levels, Ethiopia has relations with Belgium. The relationship is OKAY.
Belgium’s interest is mostly in central African region, particularly, DRC, Rwanda and Burundi. With Ethiopia, they have more or less a very good relationship at the university level. There are a lot of Belgian universities having relation with Ethiopian universities. After that, of course, the tourism relationship is growing.
We have been working to draw more market to Ethiopia to export goods to Belgium. Some Belgium Investments are active here in Ethiopia. I think, we have to work on it because a couple of Belgium companies have some issues in Ethiopia. We will work on it to curb problems that we have been confronted with.
Herald: Does the European Union have economic interest for Africa continent?
Ambassador Grum: European Union is an institution comprising 28 member states. Together they have established European Union. It does not trade with Africa as it is an institution. It is the member countries’ companies that trade in Ethiopia as well Africa companies.
Herald: Is there any role the embassy plays to the diaspora communities in the European Union?
Ambassador Grum: That is conducted
through bilateral issue. That is an issue between Ethiopia diaspora in Belgium and the Ethiopia embassy. It does not have to do with European Union.
Herald: What shall the government do to be effective in the global diplomacy?
Ambassador Grum: We are working together with European Union in many areas. First of all, security matter in the horn and in whole Africa region. There is a development-related issue that we are working with European commission.
We are working together on anti-terrorism, migration, job creations in Ethiopia. Lately, the European Union has been giving Ethiopia substantial amount of international support for job creation tasks. And at the same time, the country was also welcoming foreign investment. Supposedly, currently the relationship is at a very good level. There are, I think, hopes, possibly the future will also well.
Herald: What do you say about the acts of multinational cooperation residing in Belgium?
Ambassador Grum: As I said earlier, my embassy deals with institutions. It does not deal with multinationals. If you are talking about multinational cooperation then that is the objective which we are actually carrying on with European companies, basically with Belgium companies.
So Belgium companies are multinationals, are not the type of companies that fall in line with Ethiopian economic situations.
In my case, basically Belgium companies in relation with multi-nationals are the type of companies that the Ethiopian economic policy really indicators for. Belgium case basically, we have been working on business companies that export Ethiopia products to Belgium.
There are certain Belgium companies who want to buy the Ethiopian products. Of course, many are those who are interested to buy coffee products. And we are trying to draw the attention of certain Belgium companies to pay attention on the logistics sectorial area here in Ethiopia.
Herald: What do you suggest about the ongoing process of new diplomacy policy?
Ambassador Grum: I just came out from a discussion on the new draft policy foreign relations of Ethiopia. The Policy of Ethiopia is being worked out. We have actually finished the first draft and we will do the second draft quite soon. It will be done in a couple of months’ time, so we will see how the new foreign policy will serve to promote Ethiopia in the international arena, carrying on and promoting our national interest globally.
Herald: Are there imminent contributions that the Belgium, European Commission and Union have for the benefit of the country?
Ambassador Grum: Of course, I think. Had we felt the absence of benefit that accrues from the relationship, we would not have opened an embassy there. It is clear. Our relationship with Belgium is basically in the context of European Union as Belgium is a member of European Union. But above that bilateral tie, we have been forging a relation with Belgium in the areas of investment, trade and tourism including the Ethiopian diaspora with that in Belgium.
Herald: What lessons could Ethiopia get from Belgium and similar European countries?
Ambassador Grum: Every country has its own objectives, its own law and its own principles and its own interest. So, I think that is something that Ethiopia as sovereignty country, should be on with regard to Belgium framework. Regarding Belgium, it can learn from Belgium that we do not know.
I think, the most important thing is like every other developing country there are certain things that Ethiopia should get and prepare to receive from Belgium. The way they do business is very important. In Certain areas, there should be learning from them. That is, Belgium is a very peaceful country.
Belgium is friendly with neighbors, with the member European Union carriers to the policy and directive to the European Union. I think, we try to do with them within the framework of Belgium’s principles, and with European Union.
Herald: Is there a relationship with Belgium in exchanging knowledge and ideas as well sharing experience with the think-thank communities?
Ambassador Grum: as I said before, we have a relation with Belgium’s universities in various areas. We have a number of relations with the Belgium state of Logan, Brussels, among others. That is basically in the areas of agriculture, engineering, medicine and so on so forth.
Herald: What decisive measures should the government take to further enhance public diplomacy with Belgium?
Ambassador Grum: Well, the embassy has four departments. One is called public diplomacy in the embassy. It has relations with the Belgium regarding media whether electronics or print, radio and TV. We have weekly bulletin that we come up with French and English languages. We have a magazine published both in English and French.
We have monthly breakfast secession with a number of journalists that we meet to discuss the situation about Ethiopia and other related issues. And at the same time we send journalists to Belgium to visit the country and write some stories on it.
Herald: At, last, you are welcome to convey your message?
Ambassador Grum: I think, Ethiopia’s diplomacy is on the move and under reform. I think the diplomatic community welcomes the ongoing effort of improvement. I believe all Ethiopian embassies including mine do not only introduce but also promote what is going on in the country. They try to get financial and other supports to Ethiopia from European Union and with Belgium.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday September 8/2011
BY MEHARI BEYENE
