Brussels: The future boded well for the EU and Ethiopia to further enhance their cooperation as Ethiopia continues to be one of EU’s most important partners on the African continent, EU Ambassador Sofie From-Emmesberger said.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the ambassador briefed the media in connection with the EU-Ethiopia 50-Year Milestone and pointed out that Ethiopia has been and continues to be one of the EU’s most important partners on the African continent. The EU views Ethiopia as an invaluable co-champion in upholding and promoting multilateralism and a rules-based international order, given its history as a co-founder of the United Nations.
The ambassador highlighted Ethiopia’s invaluable contribution to regional peace and stability. She noted that the relationship, which began as mostly an economic partnership, has grown into a robust and diverse relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests, and joint initiatives.
According to the ambassador, the EU and Ethiopia signed a “Strategic Engagement” in 2016, committing both sides to close cooperation in various areas. She mentioned that with Prime Minister Abiy taking office and the developments that followed, the EU adopted Conclusions on Ethiopia in 2018, acknowledging the new impetus on political and economic reforms and welcoming the ambitious agenda towards a more democratic Ethiopian society.
The ambassador praised the recent economic reforms undertaken by the Ethiopian government and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia for the success of its ongoing reform agenda. She expressed optimism about future cooperation, including through the EU Global Gateway and the Horn of Africa Initiative.
Key focus areas for the EU’s engagement include cooperation in renewable energy, supporting Ethiopia’s homegrown Green Legacy Initiative, digitalization, agriculture, and the private sector, elaborated Ambassador From-Emmesberger.
On his part, Europe and America Affairs Deputy Director-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Abraham Mengistu, stated that Ethiopia has been enjoying long-standing relations with the EU and its member countries. He emphasized Ethiopia’s gratitude for its relations with the EU and expressed a desire to see more investment and trade.
During the occasion, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further bolstering the long-standing relations in the coming years.