Addis Ababa, May 17, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia and Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to work together and scale up cooperation in various areas.
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, received at his office the Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, Francia Elena, who arrived in Addis Ababa today for an official visit.
DPM & FM Demeke expressed his appreciation for Colombia’s decision to reopen its embassy in Ethiopia after 50 years, reminding that the two countries have similar experience in international forums.
He told the Colombian Vice President that Ethiopia is interested in working in cooperation with Colombia in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, aviation, and technology.
Demeke recalled that Colombia has submitted a request for a position as a non permanent member of the UN Human Rights Council for the period of 2025–2027.
This will help the country work more cooperatively with Ethiopia and in the prevention of terrorism, he said.
The Vice President stated that one of the reasons for Colombia reopening its embassy in Ethiopia is Ethiopia’s strong influence in Africa and the region.
She pointed out that the decision aims to improve the relationship between the two countries.
She confirmed Colombia’s readiness to cooperate with Ethiopia on regional and continental levels as well as on multilateral platforms.
It is noted that Ethiopia and Colombia began official diplomatic relations in 1947, and the country opened its embassy in Addis Ababa in 1967 and closed it in 1974.