Diplomatic engagement as a tool to reshape perceptions, promote positive international image

Ethiopia has always been a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. It has a rich cultural heritage and a fascinating history that has captured the attention of many people around the world. Despite its tumultuous past, Ethiopia has remained steadfast in its efforts to become a leading nation in the African continent and beyond. This has not gone unnoticed, and Ethiopia has become a center of diplomatic activity.

Ethiopia’s unique cultural heritage, strategic location, and economic potential have made it an attractive destination and an important player in regional and international affairs. Its efforts to promote peace and development in Africa have earned it recognition and respect from the international community. As Ethiopia continues to grow and develop, it is sure to remain a center of attraction and diplomatic activity in the years to come.

By providing a roadmap for ongoing collaboration and negotiation, the agreement has helped to create a more stable political environment within Ethiopia. This newfound stability is likely to attract more foreign investment and support, which will be critical to Ethiopia’s economic growth and development in the years ahead.

Ethiopia’s reintegration into international diplomacy marks a turning point in the country’s history, providing an opportunity for the country to engage with other nations on a more constructive and collaborative level. This reintegration opens up many avenues for Ethiopia to forge partnerships and collaborations with other nations across the globe, which will help to boost the country’s development and growth prospects.

Through active participation in diplomatic activities, Ethiopia can contribute to discussions on various global issues and share its unique perspectives with other nations, helping to create a more diverse and inclusive global community. By engaging with other nations through diplomatic channels, Ethiopia can gain valuable insights and support for its own development endeavors, including projects aimed at addressing poverty, inequality, and social justice issues within its borders.

Ethiopia’s reintegration into international diplomacy can also help the country to forge stronger ties with other nations across Africa, building a more united continent that can tackle common challenges and issues. As a key player on the African continent, Ethiopia can use its diplomatic connections and partnerships to prioritize issues of importance to the continent as a whole, such as regional security, economic growth, and health.

Ethiopia’s renewed involvement in international diplomatic activities is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economy and long-term prospects for growth and development. By engaging with the global community through diplomatic channels, Ethiopia can attract foreign investors, forge beneficial trade agreements, and access resources that will help to drive its progress and improve living standards for its citizens.

Ethiopia’s return to the international diplomatic scene brings with it the opportunity to address pressing humanitarian challenges faced by the country, including issues related to displacement, conflict, and poverty. By engaging with other nations through diplomatic channels, Ethiopia can articulate the challenges faced by its people and seek assistance in providing aid and relief to affected regions. Additionally, diplomatic engagement can help Ethiopia to forge partnerships and collaborations that will contribute to long-term solutions, alleviating the suffering caused by ongoing conflict and instability.

Additionally, by engaging with other nations through diplomatic channels, Ethiopia can seek to address issues related to health, food security, and access to basic services, which continue to impact many of its citizens, particularly those living in rural areas. Collaboration on these issues can also contribute to the development of sustainable solutions that address the root causes of these challenges, such as improving agricultural practices and creating more inclusive economic policies.

Through strengthened partnerships and collaborations, Ethiopia can work towards a more prosperous and peaceful future, one in which all citizens have access to the resources and support they need to live healthy, productive lives.

Ethiopia’s renewed involvement in the international diplomatic arena provides a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and promote mutual understanding among nations. Through active participation in forums, conferences, and summits, Ethiopia can share its diverse cultures and traditions with the global community, fostering a spirit of appreciation and respect for its unique identity.

In doing so, Ethiopia can also benefit from exposure to other cultures and perspectives, expanding its own worldview and gaining new insights and understanding from its international partners. Strengthened cultural ties and exchanges can help to build trust and promote peaceful coexistence between Ethiopia and other nations, creating an environment that supports global harmony and cooperation.

Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts have included mediating conflicts, participating in peacekeeping missions, and promoting dialogue between nations to resolve disputes peacefully. By taking a proactive role in political diplomacy, Ethiopia has positioned itself as a respected voice in international decision-making processes.

Furthermore, Ethiopia has recognized the urgent need to address climate change and has actively participated in global climate forums. As a country highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Ethiopia has championed sustainable development and environmental conservation as integral components of its diplomatic agenda.

Recognizing the importance of sustainable energy in combating climate change and achieving global development goals, Ethiopia has actively participated in energy forums and initiatives. The country’s commitment to harnessing its vast renewable energy potential, primarily through hydropower and wind energy projects, has garnered international attention.

Ethiopia has been coming back to the fold of the international diplomatic activities after the Pretoria peace agreement signed between the Federal Government and TPLF, Political Science and International Relations Professor Brook Hailu said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the professor noted that the country’s diplomatic and foreign policy efforts were negatively affected by the crisis in northern Ethiopia. The issue had been discussed in the UN Security Council many times along the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, he recalled.

According to him, the country has once again came back to the fold of the international diplomatic activities since the Pretoria agreement that was signed based on the principle of promoting peace, dialogue and targeted towards finding solution to the crisis.

The proofs of these are the meetings held between the US Administration and the leadership of Ethiopia; presidents and prime ministers of different countries.

Recently the new President of World Bank, Ajay Banga, was in Ethiopia where he was satisfied with efforts to bring about peace in the country and also improvement in the economic and social sectors, Professor Brook added.

Ethiopia has been playing active role not only in economic and political diplomacy, but also in the climate and energy forums of the world. The analyst pointed out that the very fact that Ethiopia has given priority to bring about peace and harmony in the region is a positive step.

Ethiopia has contributed a lot in Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan; and in terms of contributions it is the third largest UN peacekeeping mission contributors in the world, behind Bangladesh, India Pakistan, he stated, adding that this is a good gesture and a good strategy as peace is the bottom line in any country.

“This policy should continue, playing a positive role to bring peace within the country like what was done in northern Ethiopia. The same logic should be replicated in the Horn of Africa, and also peace throughout the continent and peace in the world. I think it is a good strategy and tactic on the part of Ethiopia.” The professor further explained that Ethiopia has always been an attraction, even a center of diplomatic activity in the world as well as in the African continent.

By the number of diplomatic missions that operate in the capital, it is number three in the world and almost all countries have embassies here. UN itself as well as its specialized agencies and international, inter-governmental organizations are here; and this indicates how Ethiopia is very important.

BY ADDISALEM MULAT

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD  5 SEPTEMBER 2023

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