By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Ethiopia, July 15, 2026 - Ethiopia and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic and development cooperation following high-level talks between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos and the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, in Addis Ababa.
The meetings focused on expanding Ethiopia-EU relations, strengthening EU-Africa cooperation, addressing regional security challenges and enhancing trade and investment partnerships at a time when Ethiopia is seeking to rebuild international partnerships while advancing domestic political reforms.
Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos told the EU's foreign policy chief that Ethiopia remains committed to its longstanding partnership with the European Union and is ready to deepen cooperation across areas of shared interest.
According to Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gedion emphasized the country's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties while updating Kallas on Ethiopia's newly launched National Dialogue Conference, which officially opened in Addis Ababa this week.
The minister said the dialogue reflects Ethiopia's determination to resolve longstanding national challenges through peaceful and inclusive engagement.
The National Dialogue demonstrates Ethiopia's commitment to resolving longstanding national challenges through an inclusive, transparent and nationally led process designed to build consensus, strengthen national unity and promote lasting peace, Gedion said during the meeting.
The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors and highlighted the importance of the upcoming Third Ethiopia-European Union Structured Dialogue, which is expected to serve as a key platform for advancing strategic engagement between Addis Ababa and Brussels.
Beyond bilateral relations, the discussions also covered regional developments in the Horn of Africa and broader international issues of mutual interest, reflecting the growing importance of Ethiopia in regional diplomacy and security.
Separately, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also held talks with Kallas, where discussions centred on strengthening the broader relationship between Africa and the European Union, expanding economic cooperation and addressing common regional challenges.
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister described the discussions as constructive.
"I was pleased to welcome EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, for a productive meeting today," Abiy wrote on his official X account.
The Prime Minister said both sides exchanged views on strengthening strategic cooperation between Africa and the European Union.
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"We exchanged views on key areas of mutual interest aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between Africa and the European Union," he added.
According to the Prime Minister, the discussions focused on reinforcing EU-Africa relations while examining pressing regional issues affecting the Horn of Africa and the wider continent.
The leaders also explored opportunities to expand economic cooperation through increased trade, investment and development partnerships involving Ethiopia, Africa and the European Union.
The meetings come at a significant moment for Ethiopia as the country seeks to consolidate economic reforms, attract greater foreign investment and strengthen diplomatic engagement with key international partners while implementing its National Dialogue process aimed at promoting reconciliation and long-term political stability.
For the European Union, Ethiopia remains one of Africa's most strategically important partners. As host of the African Union, Ethiopia occupies a central position in continental diplomacy while also serving as a key player in peace, security and economic integration across the Horn of Africa.
The EU has remained one of Ethiopia's largest development partners, supporting programmes in governance, humanitarian assistance, education, climate resilience, food security and private sector development. Relations between the two sides have gradually strengthened following renewed political engagement and economic reforms undertaken by the Ethiopian government.
The emphasis on expanding economic cooperation also reflects growing interest by both parties in increasing investment flows, supporting regional trade and strengthening partnerships under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the EU's Global Gateway investment strategy.
The discussions are expected to lay the groundwork for the upcoming Third Ethiopia-European Union Structured Dialogue, where both sides will seek to translate their shared commitment into concrete agreements on trade, development cooperation, regional peace and long-term strategic partnership.
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