Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Ethiopia and the European Union discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership and expand economic cooperation during a visit by a senior EU foreign policy official to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
The official emphasized that Ethiopia represents an “important partner” for the EU and is one of the most influential countries in Africa, following her discussions on Wednesday evening with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos in Addis Ababa.
The talks provided a platform to discuss strengthening Ethiopian-European relations, developing the partnership between the EU and the African Union, addressing regional challenges, and exploring new avenues for expanding economic, trade, and investment cooperation.
Ahmed described the meeting as “fruitful,” noting that both sides exchanged views on priority issues of mutual interest and discussed enhancing relations between Africa and the EU, as well as cooperation in trade, investment, and development.
Discussion of Regional Economic and Security Issues
On the security front, the official addressed issues related to the war in Sudan and the threat posed by the “Shabaab” movement in Somalia, emphasizing that strengthening relations with Ethiopia serves mutual interests. She highlighted the EU’s commitment to expanding business and investment opportunities and cooperation in the areas of digital governance, renewable energy, and critical raw materials.
She pointed out the increasing interest shown by European companies in working and investing in Ethiopia, but stressed the need to provide a stable and attractive business environment, alleviating concerns related to retroactive laws and tax policies.
In the energy sector, she noted that Ethiopia’s vast renewable energy resources, along with European expertise and technology, offer opportunities for partnerships that benefit both parties. She also affirmed the EU’s support for developing the critical raw materials sector in a way that ensures jobs and economic value remain within Africa.
Meeting with the Prime Minister
The official also held separate talks with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos, who affirmed his country’s readiness to deepen its long-term relations with the EU and expand cooperation in sectors that achieve mutual interests.
Both sides stressed the importance of the third organized dialogue between Ethiopia and the EU as a platform to enhance strategic engagement and develop political, economic, and developmental cooperation between the two parties.
Timotheos briefed the EU official on the Ethiopian national dialogue conference that has commenced at the national level, confirming that the process aims to address chronic internal issues through an inclusive and transparent dialogue led by Ethiopian institutions, supporting consensus, unity, and lasting peace.
The two parties also exchanged views on regional and international developments amid the security and political challenges facing the Horn of Africa and the importance of Ethiopia in the EU’s relations with the African continent.
The official’s visit to Ethiopia was part of a tour that also included Djibouti on July 15 and 16, where the European External Action Service announced that its program includes official meetings and discussions related to security and regional cooperation.
