In the pursuit of accelerated national development, Ethiopia has consistently demonstrated a forward-looking posture—one defined by openness, collaboration, and adaptive learning. The recent high-level state visit led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a resounding affirmation of this vision. As the first-ever Ethiopian head of state to visit Vietnam, the Prime Minister’s journey marks not only a diplomatic milestone but also an inspired gesture of determination to learn from global best practices and transform them into local success.
Vietnam’s story of economic resilience and sector-wide transformation has long captured global attention. Rising from the challenges of its past, Vietnam has positioned itself as a dynamic hub for manufacturing, trade, and innovation, grounded in pragmatic policymaking, an export-oriented economy, and human capital development. The Ethiopian delegations expressed admiration for Vietnam’s remarkable achievements—and their readiness to replicate relevant strategies back home—speaks volumes about Ethiopia’s diligence and developmental foresight.
It is heartening to see Ethiopian leadership openly acknowledging the value of shared experience and mutual growth. Prime Minister Abiy and his delegation explored Vietnam’s strategic approaches in several key sectors, including agriculture, industrial development, education, and trade logistics. Their intent to adapt these insights into Ethiopia’s own context offers hope for meaningful change and faster progress in our development goals.
The signing of comprehensive bilateral agreements across multiple sectors is a testimony to Ethiopia’s deepening engagement in global partnerships. Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos rightly lauded the agreements as an important step in institutionalizing a robust, mutually beneficial relationship. Particularly significant is the agreement enabling Ethiopian Airlines to commence direct flights to Vietnam—a practical move that will no doubt catalyze trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Such connectivity will serve as a lifeline for enhanced economic integration and people-to-people relations.
Moreover, the collaborative commitments in education, economy, trade, and investment show a holistic approach to bilateral cooperation—one that transcends ceremonial diplomacy and ventures into the realm of shared solutions and transformative impact. As Ethiopia seeks to industrialize, create jobs, and uplift millions out of poverty, drawing upon Vietnam’s developmental toolkit becomes both strategic and timely.
Yet, what stands out even more is Ethiopia’s clarity of purpose in aligning international cooperation with its green growth ambitions. The announcement that Ethiopia will host the 2027 Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) summit further validates the country’s evolving role as a champion of sustainability and innovation. Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, emphasis on electric mobility, and robust investment in renewable energy are no longer national projects—they are global models.
Minister Gedion’s remarks on Ethiopia’s environmental commitments underscore how development and sustainability are not competing goals, but complementary pursuits. In hosting the P4G summit, Ethiopia will gain a valuable platform to present its initiatives, attract green financing, and foster cross-sector collaboration with global stakeholders. The synergy between learning from countries like Vietnam and positioning Ethiopia as a green growth leader exemplifies an intelligent, two-way strategy for development diplomacy.
In this light, the Vietnam visit should be viewed not as a standalone diplomatic effort, but as a vital thread in Ethiopia’s broader development tapestry—one that weaves together global partnerships, national reforms, and environmental stewardship. Ethiopia’s willingness to learn, its proactive policy shifts, and its ambition to inspire and lead on the world stage form a narrative of hope, agency, and accountability.
In short, as we celebrate 50 years of Ethiopia–Vietnam diplomatic relations, we also celebrate the promise of what is to come: a future shaped by shared knowledge, mutual respect, and bold, people-centered development. Let this serve as a reminder that Ethiopia’s path to prosperity lies not in isolation, but in intelligent engagement, adaptive action, and a relentless pursuit of better.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2025
