Ethiopia, Finland deepen ties for stronger cooperation and dev’t

Addis Ababa, March 20, 2025 (FMC) – High-level representatives from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance and Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, including Finnish Ambassador Helena Airaksinen, convened to discuss their longstanding bilateral relations and future cooperation plans.

Ms. Semereta Sewasew welcomed the Finnish delegation, emphasizing the importance of their ongoing discussions and the recent celebration of 30 years of diplomatic ties.

Ambassador Airaksinen reiterated Finland’s commitment to its country program in Ethiopia, which aligns with the Ethiopian government’s development agenda prioritizing democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.

She highlighted initiatives supporting women, girls, marginalized groups, and education, while emphasizing Finland’s intent to strengthen trade ties and enhance investment in Ethiopia’s digital sector.

During the talks, Ms. Semereta Sewasew expressed gratitude for Finland’s strategic support, particularly in special education. She identified successful models like Finland’s One WASH and the Responsible and Innovative Land Administration (RAILA) projects as frameworks for scaling effective initiatives.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the EU deforestation regulation’s impact on Ethiopian coffee exports and the certification challenges faced by smallholder farmers.

State Minister Semereta affirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to comprehensive economic reforms aimed at unlocking the economy’s potential in finance, tax, and customs, while prioritizing social safety net programs for vulnerable communities.

Both representatives reaffirmed their dedication to ongoing dialogue and collaboration to strengthen their partnership for mutual benefit.