Recently, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed discussed Ethiopian foreign policy with diplomats and ambassadors at the Ministry of foreign Affairs. The discussions aimed to review the reforms that have been taking place within the Ministry and in Ethiopia’s foreign policy.
During the discussion, the Premier emphasized that it is important to understand global trends as diplomats and ensure there is alignment of thought and practice among themselves grounded in clarity of Ethiopia’s foreign policy. Moreover, Abiy highlighted the role of diplomats to act in service to Government policy, understand policies of countries of posting and maintenance of the rights of Ethiopians in mission countries.
Obviously, Ethiopia’s foreign policy is directed in a way to support its overall development internally. Put it simply, it has given unequivocal focus to development and regional stability. The major objective of the country’s foreign policy, diplomatic and foreign relations are set to promote economic development through cooperation, partnership, mutual respect and regional integration with neighboring countries.
Ethiopia’s diplomacy has also been pragmatically focused on harnessing aid and investment in order to deal with pressing domestic developmental challenges. Despite having these lofty foreign relations goals, Ethiopian Ambassadors were appointed without taking merits into consideration. And some criticize the appointment of the diplomats arguing that they are not fit to achieve the country’s foreign policy goals.
That is why; MoFA is undertaking institutional reform and has started to appoint diplomats based on merit alone. As Ethiopia prioritizes economic diplomacy, the diplomats and ambassadors are expected to perform productive activities to attract investment, tourism and trade to Ethiopia. As to the new working procedure, the diplomats will also be evaluated based on their performance alone.
The other focus area for the diplomats, as underlined by the Premier, is the Ethiopia Diaspora, which the government sees as a huge force in fostering development in the country. The diplomats are expected to undertake outstanding activities in mobilizing the Diaspora. There are also initiatives to reform the foreign policy considering the dynamic nature of the horn of Africa and the world as a whole.
Because of the dynamic nature of the Horn, Ethiopia is forced to carefully observe all kinds of changes taking place in all parts of the Horn of Africa at all times. Hence, Ethiopian diplomats need to further reinvigorate Ethiopia’s constructive role in the Horn of Africa. So far, the country has built a positive image in light of its foreign relations.
Hence, the new reform should continue to playing a crucial role in fostering peace and stability across the volatile Horn of Africa. It should also play a more strategic, transformational and developmental role in the region and beyond. What is expected from the Ambassadors and diplomats in this regard is enormous.
The Ethiopian Herald, January 17/2019
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
