Addis Ababa, April 27, 2023 (FBC) – The Africa Directors of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of EU member states are set to arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for a two-day visit on the 27-28 of April.
It is stated that EU-Africa relations on top of the agenda in Addis Ababa.
The visit takes place amidst violent clashes in neighbouring Sudan, and comes just days after EU Foreign Ministers adopted conclusions stressing the EU’s engagement to support the ongoing peace process in Ethiopia.
During the two-day high-level working visit, discussions will focus on three thematic issues: EU-Ethiopia relations, regional Horn of Africa-affairs with a specific focus on the latest developments in Sudan and the EU-AU partnership.
EU Africa Directors will exchange with African interlocutors, including the Government of Ethiopia and the African Union Commission, as well as hold internal discussions.
“This visit comes timely and at an important juncture in EU-Africa relations.
The developments in Sudan are of great concern for us as well as our African partners, and close dialogue is crucial.
The EU has repeatedly called for an immediate and sustained cessation of hostilities and return to a political process towards a civilian-led government. Together with my EU colleagues, I also look forward to discussions with our Ethiopian partners, says Irina Schoulgin Nyoni”, Africa Director at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs
This past Monday, EU Foreign Ministers adopted Council conclusions reiterating that the EU looks forward to a gradual normalisation of relations following the agreement on permanent cessation of hostilities related to the conflict in northern Ethiopia.
The discussions with the African Union Commission follows the Summit between African and EU-leaders in Brussels in February 2022. At the Summit, EU and AU Heads of States and Government committed to a joint vision for a renewed partnership to build a common future, as closest partners and neighbours.
The African Union and its member states are important partners in promoting democratic development, upholding the rules-based international order and tackling global challenges.
Since the Summit last year, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has severely impacted the whole world, including Africa. As a steadfast partner, the EU and its member states have among other things provided around 9 billion euros until 2024 for food security in Africa.
EU Africa Directors meet on a regular basis in Brussels to discuss current Africa-related issues.
The visit in Addis Ababa is the first time this meeting format convenes in Africa, following an initiative by the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The Directors’ meeting in Addis Ababa is jointly organised by Sweden and the European External Action Service.