Ethiopia and Israel have long shared a multifaceted relationship rooted in deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties. This partnership has evolved over the years, encompassing areas such as agriculture, technology, security, and diplomacy. In recent times, both nations have demonstrated a renewed commitment to strengthening these bonds, recognizing the mutual benefits that such cooperation brings.
Both nations share a multifaceted and evolving partnership rooted in deep historical ties and mutual interests. This relationship spans various sectors, including agriculture, technology, security, and diplomacy. Recent high-level engagements between Ethiopian and Israeli officials underscore the commitment of both nations to strengthen and expand their cooperation.
Ethiopia, with its vast arable land, has been keen on leveraging Israeli agricultural technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability. Initiatives such as the Small Holder Horticulture Program, a joint effort between Israel’s MASHAV, USAID, and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture, have been instrumental in introducing advanced irrigation techniques and high-yield crop varieties to Ethiopian farmers. These programs have not only improved food security but have also opened avenues for agricultural exports, notably avocados, to international markets.
Beyond agriculture, the two nations have explored avenues in technology transfer and innovation. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology has engaged with Israeli counterparts to foster collaboration in areas such as digital transformation, startup ecosystems, and renewable energy solutions. Israel’s experience in these domains offers valuable insights and potential partnerships for Ethiopia as it seeks to modernize its economy, FBC reported.
Security cooperation has also been a cornerstone of the Ethiopia-Israel partnership. Both countries face challenges related to terrorism and regional instability. In response, Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and Israel’s Mossad have agreed to collaborate in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa. This partnership aims to enhance intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint operations to address common security threats.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia recently held productive discussions with Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar, during his visit to Addis Ababa. In a social media post, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the long-standing relationship between Ethiopia and Israel, emphasizing that their partnership encompasses economic, political, diplomatic, and social spheres. He noted, “Our two nations continue to share a long-standing relationship grounded in historical roots and ancient connections.”
Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, also engaged in high-level talks with Minister Sa’ar, focusing on reinforcing diplomatic relations and exploring avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation. The discussions covered various sectors of mutual interest, including agriculture, technology transfer, and economic partnerships. Minister Timothewos emphasized Ethiopia’s interest in leveraging Israeli expertise in agricultural technology, areas where Israel has demonstrated global leadership.
Minister Sa’ar acknowledged Ethiopia’s strategic importance in the Horn of Africa and its potential as a key partner in regional stability. He underscored the shared commitment to combating terrorism, describing it as a common threat to both nations. Both ministers agreed on the importance of continued collaboration in this area to counter terrorism in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
The high-level talks also highlighted the economic dimension of the relationship. Minister Timothewos expressed the belief that ties in investment, trade, and economic cooperation between the two countries would serve as an anchor to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Minister Sa’ar, accompanied by a business delegation, noted the commitment to expanding cooperation in all areas and realizing the great potential in trade and economic partnerships.
A significant portion of the discussions focused on agriculture, a sector where Israel has demonstrated global leadership. Minister Timothewos specifically highlighted the success of existing cooperation, noting that Israeli technical cooperation has been instrumental in transforming horticulture practices in Ethiopia. Particularly, the export of avocados has boomed thanks to Israeli technical cooperation. Minister Sa’ar acknowledged the importance of such collaborations in enhancing agricultural productivity and food security.
Minister Sa’ar’s visit to Addis Ababa and the high-level discussions underscore a renewed focus on deepening diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Ethiopia and Israel at a crucial time for both nations and the wider region. The meeting, which followed Minister Gedion Timothewos’s earlier visit to Israel, underscored the deep-rooted friendship and strategic importance both countries place on their partnership.
Reflecting on the significance of his visit, Minister Sa’ar emphasized the profound historical connection between the two peoples, stating, “The relationship between Ethiopia and Israel is deep and historic, going back to biblical times.” He further highlighted Ethiopia’s crucial role as a regional partner, explaining his choice for his first visit to Africa as foreign minister: “I choose to begin here in Ethiopia, which demonstrates the importance of your country to us. We see Ethiopia as an important partner, and we want to upgrade the relationship between the countries in all aspects.”
Minister Sa’ar also described Ethiopia as “a gateway to Africa for us,” acknowledging the vital link provided by Ethiopian Airlines, which continued flights to Israel “almost without interruption during the war.” This underscores the resilience and importance of the bilateral relationship even in challenging times.
The recent engagements between Ethiopian and Israeli officials reflect a shared commitment to strengthening and expanding their multifaceted partnership. By focusing on areas such as agriculture, technology, security, and economic cooperation, both nations aim to build a more prosperous and stable future. The deep-rooted historical ties, coupled with a forward-looking approach to collaboration, position Ethiopia and Israel as strategic partners in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
The diplomatic engagement between Ethiopia and Israel is further exemplified by the reciprocal visits of their foreign ministers. Minister Sa’ar’s visit to Addis Ababa, following Minister Gedion Timothewos’s trip to Israel, signifies a mutual commitment to deepening ties. Both ministers have expressed a shared vision of expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The presence of a business delegation accompanying Minister Sa’ar underscores the potential for increased economic collaboration between the two nations.
Ethiopia-Israel partnership stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation grounded in shared values and objectives. As both nations continue to build on their historical ties, the future holds promise for even greater collaboration across various sectors, contributing to the prosperity and stability of the Horn of Africa and beyond.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 8 MAY 2025
