With a sense of urgency, Ethiopia and Ethiopians have been working hard to achieve both political and economic transformation. Obviously, these also hinges on the relations of the country with its neighbors, African countries and the rest of the world in general.
To expedite this, and understanding the swift global development and the dynamic nature of the political, economic and social scenario of our world, the government has now come up with a draft foreign and national security policy. It does not need mental gymnastics to understand the fact that such a policy must be premised on protecting the interests of the country and ensuring its survival. The draft document has already been enriched to these ends.
Meanwhile, politicians, diplomats, and scholars have been scrutinizing the draft foreign policy document, also aimed at better supporting Ethiopia for catching up with current regional, continental and global developments while properly positioning the country to respond properly to global dynamism. For instance, when the existing policy was drafted, neighboring Somalia was entirely stateless. There was no country known as South Sudan. Also, the government of Eritrea is discussed in the policy in a hostile way. Thus, Ethiopia must come up with a new foreign policy that fits in the existing situation of the region.
Over and beyond, the draft policy has focused on economic development and regional integration. The issues have paramount importance to the political and economic transformation of the country.
Unlike the existing policy, the draft document also considers Ethiopians living overseas as pillars in the development of the country, and their role to promote the good images of their country has also received increasing attention.
The all-round contribution of the community living overseas has grown by leaps and bounds. Hence, the policy envisages to making citizens and foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin key participants in areas like investment, trade, tourism, education, science as well as technology transfer.
Now that the country is implementing a wide array of reforms, far-sighted foreign affairs and national security policy paves the way for the reforms’ realizations. Particularly, Ethiopia focuses on deepening its toes in the manufacturing sector to create ample jobs to its citizens as well as to transfer knowledge and technology. To put this to effect, Ethiopians and descendants of Ethiopians living overseas should be encouraged to invest in their country. Also, the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment is also crucial. Hence, the policy direction could play a great role in facilitating these same issues.
The preparation of the document has been finalized. It needs only the final say of the Council of Ministers to be a foreign policy document of the country. Without a shadow of a doubt, it would be a great achievement in sustaining the country’s good relations which has already been strengthened by the reformist administration.
The Ethiopian Herald, October 18/2019
