The relationship between Ethiopia and the United States has evolved over time, reflecting changes in global politics, regional dynamics, and domestic developments in both countries.
Ethiopia and the United States have maintained diplomatic relations since the 1900s, with the first U.S. consulate in Ethiopia opening in 1909. The two countries have cooperated on a range of issues, including trade, security, and development.
One who is interested in tracking the two nation’s bilateral relations can have a number of reports he could share, as the two nations have been passing through low and high political and economic relationships for a number interest.
The era of the cold war was one of the challenging times in the Ethio-US relations. But after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States and Ethiopia reestablished diplomatic relations and began to cooperate on issues such as development assistance and security. The U.S. provided significant support for Ethiopia’s democratization efforts in the 1990s, including support for free and fair elections.
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the United States began to focus more on counter terrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa, and Ethiopia emerged as a key partner in this effort. The U.S. provided military and intelligence support to Ethiopia, and the two countries cooperated closely on regional security issues.
In recent years, the relationship between Ethiopia and the United States has seen a little hunches due to concerns raised in connection with the conflict in Northern part of Ethiopia.
Despite the odds, The United States is one of Ethiopia’s largest trading partners, with trade between the two countries totaling over $1 billion in 2019. The U.S. is also a major investor in Ethiopia, particularly in the energy and agricultural sectors.
Ethiopia and the United States have cooperated on various security issues, including counterterrorism and peacekeeping. The U.S. has provided training and support to Ethiopia’s security forces, and the two countries have worked together on regional security issues in the Horn of Africa.
The United States is one of the largest providers of development assistance to Ethiopia, with a focus on areas such as health, education, and agriculture. The U.S. has provided significant support for Ethiopia’s response to humanitarian crises, including during the conflict in Northern Ethiopia and the drought in the Somali region.
The Ethiopian government’s utmost commitment to end the deadly conflict in Northern Ethiopia and improve relations with Tigray State Administration, improve the situation of relief delivery, human rights protection … etc has cleared up all concerning issues that were raised by USA and other international organizations.
As the two nation’s relationship is deep and multifaceted, with cooperation and tensions across a range of issues, they must make their primary focus on how to further bolster it.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen have conducted a productive discussion with Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Molly Phee on ways to strengthen multilateral relation.
According to the reports Ethiopia requested USA to commence the multi-lateral layer relation. It is high time to strengthen the bilateral and multi-lateral relation because; Ethiopia is engaged in implementing as per Pretoria peace accord.
The Ethiopia diplomatic community should work round the clock to strengthen the two nations to new height through mutual understanding and respect for the common good. Strengthening economic ties with the United States could bring significant benefits to Ethiopia’s economy, including increased trade and investment.
The United States is one of the largest trading partners and investors in Ethiopia, and strengthening this relationship could help to create jobs, increase exports, and promote economic growth.
Overall, strengthening the bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and the United States could bring significant benefits to Ethiopia, including increased economic development, improved security, and enhanced diplomatic support. It is high time and ideal to heighten the multilateral relation to new productive time of the USA and Ethiopia.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
The Ethiopian Herald July 14/2023
