ADDIS ABABA– Ethiopia and France have taken significant strides in strengthening their long-standing relationship, transforming it into a comprehensive and future-oriented partnership.
This was evidenced by the latest high-level meeting between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday.
Prime Minister Abiy, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and a senior delegation, received an official welcome at the historic Musée de l’Armée before proceeding to the Élysée Palace for bilateral talks with the French President. The leaders reviewed progress on a series of strategic agreements signed during President Macron’s December 2024 visit to Addis Ababa, with a particular emphasis on expanding economic cooperation.
In a statement following the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the productive nature of the discussions, stating, “It is always a pleasure to engage in positive discussions with President Emmanuel Macron on a wide range of issues that strengthen our cooperation and partnership. While our collaboration spans many vital areas, enhancing commercial ties remains among the central priorities.”
The relationship between the two nations has evolved significantly since 2018, marked by reciprocal state visits, defense and cultural agreements, and France’s support for Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda. France has emerged as a key partner in Ethiopia’s debt restructuring efforts, underscoring its commitment to supporting the country’s economic resilience.
President Macron’s landmark visit to Ethiopia in March 2019 laid the foundation for collaborative restoration projects, including the preservation of the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela and the historic National Palace. These initiatives have reinforced cultural ties and showcased France’s role in heritage preservation.
Subsequent visits have broadened the scope of bilateral cooperation. During his February 2023 trip to Paris, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the importance of trade and investment, as well as Ethiopia’s strategic interest in secure and lasting sea access—an issue closely linked to regional peace and economic stability.
President Macron’s return visit to Addis Ababa in December 2024 further cemented bilateral ties, with France reiterating its support for Ethiopia’s economic reforms and advocating for swift progress in debt restructuring negotiations.
Over the past seven years, this partnership has matured into a multifaceted alliance, encompassing defense, education, culture, and increasingly, economic diplomacy. The consistent high-level engagement between the two leaders continues to drive this transformation, positioning Ethiopia-France relations as a model of dynamic, forward-looking international cooperation.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 24 MAY 2025
