Ethiopia has long been a crucial player in the geopolitics of the region. Over recent years, Ethiopia has focused on strengthening its relations with neighboring countries, including South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia, as part of a broader strategy to enhance regional stability, economic growth, and diplomatic ties. These efforts have been essential not only for improving Ethiopia’s international standing but also for addressing shared challenges such as security concerns, economic development, and people-to-people relations.
As a result, Ethiopia has seen a significant improvement in its diplomatic and economic relations with these nations, contributing to greater cooperation and a more stable regional environment.
One of the most notable developments in Ethiopia’s foreign relations has been the strengthening of ties with South Sudan. This week, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, arrived in Juba, South Sudan, for a working visit. During his visit, he delivered a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, emphasizing the growing importance of bilateral cooperation. The discussions between the two leaders focused on a range of issues, including regional stability, economic cooperation and the enhancement of people-to-people ties.
A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to elevate the bilateral relations between the two countries to a strategic partnership. Both nations agreed to work closely together to strengthen economic cooperation and deepen ties in various sectors. South Sudan, which has faced challenges related to conflict and economic instability since gaining independence in 2011, has much to gain from closer relations with Ethiopia.
Ethiopia, on the other hand, sees an opportunity to expand its influence in the region and support South Sudan’s efforts toward sustainable peace and development. The collaboration between Ethiopia and South Sudan is expected to cover areas such as infrastructure development, trade, and joint initiatives for addressing regional security concerns, including the fight against terrorism and armed groups that destabilize the region.
This diplomatic engagement is just one example of how Ethiopia has worked to enhance its position in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia’s relationship with Kenya, another of its neighboring countries, has also evolved into a robust partnership. Kenya and Ethiopia have enjoyed a close relationship for many decades, dating back to Kenya’s independence in 1963.
In recent years, the bilateral ties between the two countries have only grown stronger, with both sides emphasizing mutual cooperation in trade, security, and economic development. Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, George Orina, underscored the excellent state of the relations between the two nations, emphasizing their commitment to deepening this longstanding partnership. The two countries have made significant strides in areas such as infrastructure development, trade, and energy cooperation.
Kenya and Ethiopia’s commitment to improving their economic relations is particularly noteworthy. Despite the growing volume of trade between the two nations, there is still considerable untapped potential. Ambassador Orina highlighted that while the level of trade has been increasing; it remains relatively low compared to trade statistics with other neighboring countries. This presents an opportunity for both Ethiopia and Kenya to expand their trade relations and explore new avenues for collaboration. The liberalization of the Ethiopian market, which has been a key aspect of the country’s economic reforms, offers new opportunities for Kenyan businesses to engage in Ethiopia’s growing economy.
Ethiopia, with one of the largest and most diverse economies in the region, provides a wealth of business opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs. Both countries are actively working on creating an environment that facilitates trade and investment, and numerous agreements have been signed over the years to promote economic cooperation. One of the most significant agreements between Ethiopia and Kenya is the special status agreement signed in 2012, which aims to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The relationship between the two nations is also strengthened by their shared interest in regional infrastructure projects, such as the construction of roads, railways, and energy pipelines, which will help facilitate trade and improve connectivity between the two countries.
The ongoing diplomatic and economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Kenya is a positive example of how regional collaboration can drive development and peace. As both countries work together to address shared challenges, such as unemployment, poverty, and access to essential services, their partnership will undoubtedly continue to deepen in the coming years. Ethiopia’s relationship with Kenya serves as a model for how neighboring countries can cooperate to foster mutual prosperity and regional stability.
Another key neighbor with which Ethiopia has been strengthening its ties is Somalia. Somalia and Ethiopia have had a complex history, marked by periods of tension and cooperation. However, in recent years, Ethiopia has made significant efforts to improve its relations with Somalia, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. One of the most important steps in this process was the signing of a peace agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia in 2018, which laid the foundation for improved diplomatic, economic, and security relations.
The peace agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia was seen as a major breakthrough. Both Ethiopia and Somalia have focused on strengthening cooperation in the areas of security and counterterrorism, with both countries working together to combat the threat posed by the extremist group al-Shabaab. Ethiopia has also supported Somalia’s efforts to rebuild its institutions and economy following decades of civil war.
Ethiopia’s relationship with Somalia is not only important for regional stability but also for economic development. Both countries are working to enhance trade and investment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. Ethiopia’s growing market and its strategic position in the Horn of Africa make it an important partner for Somalia, which has been working to rebuild its economy and improve the living conditions of its citizens. As both countries continue to deepen their cooperation, they are likely to see further progress in terms of economic integration and security collaboration.
In conclusion, Ethiopia’s relations with its neighboring countries, including South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia, have improved significantly in recent years, thanks to diplomatic efforts, economic cooperation, and shared interests in regional stability. These enhanced relations have created opportunities for economic growth, trade expansion, and the resolution of shared security challenges.
Ethiopia has taken a proactive role in fostering closer ties with its neighbors, working to ensure that the Horn of Africa remains a region of peace, stability, and cooperation. As Ethiopia continues to strengthen its position in the region, its partnerships with South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Horn of Africa.
BY DANIEL ALEMYAEHU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 9 MARCH 2025
