VIENNA – Austria is committed to enhancing both bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Ethiopia in a range of fields, Simone Knapp, Austrian Ambassador to Ethiopia, stated during an exclusive interview with ENA. The recent visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Vienna, which featured productive discussions with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, highlights the strong and productive relationship between the two nations.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the diplomatic relations between Austria and Ethiopia are already excellent and provide a foundation for expanded cooperation and mutual benefits. In early December 2023, the engagement with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed covered a broad spectrum of bilateral issues and explored numerous opportunities for cooperation. This follows a visit by the Austrian Foreign Minister to Ethiopia two years prior, emphasizing the ongoing and robust partnership.
Ambassador Knapp detailed that Austria’s cooperation with Ethiopia spans diplomatic, political, and economic fields, with plans to increase economic ties. “In October, we are planning to bring Austrian companies to Ethiopia to foster B2B meetings with the support of the Ethiopian Investment Commission,” she explained. These meetings aim to showcase Ethiopia’s potential and identify business opportunities, particularly in sectors like energy solutions, waste management, health, and production.
The ambassador also highlighted the strategic importance of Vienna and Addis Ababa as hubs for international organizations. Vienna hosts numerous UN organizations, while Addis Ababa is home to the African Union and other significant UN entities, underscoring the countries’ shared interests in multilateral systems. “Our cooperation extends to peace and security, human rights, transparency, and crime prevention through our permanent representations in New York and Geneva,” Knapp added.
The conversation also covered the educational sector, where Austria and Ethiopia have established multiple university partnerships, which according to the ambassador, are flourishing. These initiatives further solidify the diverse areas of potential cooperation outlined by both nations.
This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Austrian Embassy in Addis Ababa, celebrating decades of diplomatic presence and collaboration in Ethiopia.