Ethiopia’s Diplomatic Efforts Successful this Fiscal Year: MoFA Spokesperson

Addis Ababa, July 18, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia has achieved notable diplomatic successes during the 2016 Ethiopian fiscal year, Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, said during a press briefing today.

Ambassador Nebiyu highlighted that Ethiopia has made significant progress by fostering good relations with neighboring countries and enhancing its role in multilateral organizations like the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa.

He mentioned that Ethiopia signed 12 agreements with neighboring countries after joint political consultations to cooperate in various sectors such as tourism, culture, education, capacity building, and wildlife protection.

Additionally, Ambassador Nebiyu noted several high-level visits and the signing of approximately 71 agreements on trade, investment, agriculture, and other sectors at bilateral and multilateral venues to advance Ethiopia’s national interests. He emphasized that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visits to countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe have bolstered Ethiopia’s diplomatic status.

Efforts to lead the tripartite negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, to highlight the Ministry’s long history, to defend the rights and interests of Ethiopian nationals abroad, and to construct Ethiopian embassies and residences in various countries were also key priorities.

Finally, Ambassador Nebiyu pointed out Ethiopia’s joining of the BRICS bloc, efforts to communicate its need for sea access, and active economic diplomacy, as shown by 507 investment-related visits and participation in 112 business forums, as examples of the country’s successful diplomatic engagements this fiscal year.