ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — The United Kingdom is actively seeking to strengthen its bilateral relationship with Ethiopia, with a focus on elevating cooperation to new heights, British Ambassador to Ethiopia Darren Welch stated. In an interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Ambassador Welch emphasized the enduring and strong bilateral ties between the two nations, highlighting their historical friendship through both prosperous and challenging times.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the UK and Ethiopia have maintained a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding, presenting significant opportunities for further enhancement. He revealed the UK’s intention to engage in broad development cooperation with Ethiopia, aiming to become the country’s largest partner for development cooperation next year. The focus will be on supporting business environment reforms, attracting more investment, and ensuring predictability and security for investors, all in the mutual interests of both countries.
Further, Ambassador Welch outlined the UK’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s development, including strengthening the education sector, enhancing healthcare support, and providing humanitarian assistance. He also expressed the UK’s strong support for the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, emphasizing the importance of inclusive discussions about the country’s future and the need for peace across all regions.
Welch highlighted the potential of Ethiopia’s diversity to be a source of strength and expressed optimism about the country’s future, stating that a peaceful Ethiopia would be unstoppable. The diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom spans various areas, including trade, culture, education, and development cooperation, with both countries collaborating on numerous issues of mutual concern at bilateral, regional, and global levels.