Addis Ababa Reports Upholding of Press Freedom by Ethiopia

Addis Ababa – The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the country’s commitment to press freedom in response to a joint statement from the European Union delegation and various embassies in the capital. This statement was issued on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day. The Ministry expressed concerns over the tone of the joint statement, describing it as unhelpful and not in line with standard diplomatic practices.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopia recognizes and supports the rights of the press, but emphasizes that these must be practiced within the limits of the law. The statement highlighted Ethiopia’s robust growth in both traditional and digital media outlets, showcasing the effective enjoyment of press freedom. The Ministry also invited constructive engagement from international partners, while criticizing what it views as patronizing joint statements that could potentially harm bilateral relationships and contravene the rule of law.