Addis Ababa, December 4, 2024 (FBC) – The FDRE President Taye Atske-Selassie received today letters of credence of twelve newly appointed Ambassadors to Ethiopia, the Office of the President confirmed.

During the presentation ceremony at the Office of the President, Ambassadors Eddy Jose Cordova Corcega (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Selma Malika Haddadi (People’s Democratic Republic of), Alexis Lamek (French Republic), Sofie From-Emmesberger (European Union), Selma Malika Haddadi (People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria), Juan Ignacio Roccatagliata Beguiristain (Argentine Republic), Jens Hanefeld (Federal Republic of  Germany), Mbapeua Muvangua (Republic of Namibia),  Nonceba Nancy Losi (Republic of South Africa), Kristina Radej (Slovenia), Antonios Sgouropoulos (Hellenic Republic), Yeison Arcadio Meneses Copete (Republic of Colombia) and Jeanne Crauser (Grand Duchy of  Luxembourg) handed over their respective letters of credence to President Taye in their order of precedence.

Addis Ababa, December 4, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, today received the UN Country Team led by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ramiz Alakbarov.

MFA Ethiopia reported that the UN Country Team was sourced from various regional and country offices and programmes of the global body.

During the meeting, the officials reiterated their respective commitments to further strengthening the multifaceted and longstanding cooperation between Ethiopia and the UN, especially in the peace-development-humanitarian assistance nexus.

Addis Ababa, December 4, 2024 (FBC) — An Ethiopian delegation, led by Mr. Fenta Dejen, State Minister for Urban and Infrastructure Development, and Ambassador Bacha Debele Buta, participated in the opening session of the 2nd Executive Board meeting of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Nairobi, Kenya.

In his remarks, State Minister Fenta praised the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D.) for championing innovative strategies to promote sustainable and resilient urban development in Ethiopia.

He highlighted key initiatives such as the development of urban green corridors that incorporate pedestrian-friendly walkways, urban tree canopies, dedicated bike lanes, and modern road infrastructure to enhance resilient urban mobility.

Addis Ababa, December 3, 2024 (FBC) – In a recent interview with FBC, Stian Christensen, Norway’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Norway and Ethiopia in climate and forestry initiatives.

The Ambassador mentioned Norway’s active involvement with the Ethiopian government in promoting reforestation and minimizing deforestation, in alignment with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Green Legacy Initiative. “We believe it is crucial to bolster Ethiopia’s access to climate finance,” he emphasized, noting Norway’s proactive efforts in this regard through the Paris Agreement and the Global Carbon Fund.

Addis Ababa, December 3, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to regional cooperation and its dedication to combating terrorism and violent extremism in the region.

This statement was made at the 11th African High-Level Peace and Security Seminar held in Oran, Algeria, where an Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

The annual seminar, known as the Oran Process, has been organized over the past decade through collaboration between Algeria and the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC). 

It serves as a strategic platform for coordination between incoming and outgoing African non-permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the AU PSC, amplifying Africa’s collective voice and strengthening its effectiveness in addressing global peace and security challenges.

Addis Ababa, December 2, 2024 (FBC) – In an exclusive interview with FBC, Sinikka Antila, Finland’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, emphasized her country’s dedication to partnering with Ethiopia on sustainable development initiatives. Celebrating three decades of cooperation in water and sanitation, the Ambassador highlighted additional collaborative areas, including education, agriculture, and digital land registration.

Antila pointed out that Finland, along with other Nordic nations, possesses extensive experience in sustainable practices such as waste recycling and the circular economy. “We do not waste materials; every household recycles metal, paper, plastics, and cardboard, resulting in minimal mixed waste,” she explained.

Addis Ababa, December 2, 2024 (FBC) – The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in partnership with the Ethiopian Forest Development (EFD) has launched the Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Ethiopia for Responsible Forest Management.

In his opening remarks at the launching ceremony, Kebede Yimam, Director General of Ethiopian Forest Development (EFD), stated that Ethiopia is currently engaged in massive restoration activities through the Green Legacy Initiative and the Ethiopian Forestry Development is intensively engaged forest development, protection and utilization efforts with various key stakeholders, adding that the accession to the FSC will enhance such initiatives.

Addis Ababa, December 2, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held political consultations, in Riyadh on Sunday.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mesganu Arga and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Engineer Walid Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji led the consultations.

The two sides agreed to elevate their cooperation in various sectors to a higher level and to collaborate effectively on bilateral and international issues to ensure mutual benefit.

On the occasion, both parties agreed to strengthen their bilateral relations and to work together to expedite the implementation of draft agreements.

Addis Ababa; November 30, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia and France unveiled a new sustainable heritage development project in Lalibela, Tenben, and Addis Ababa, with support from the French government. The project aims at preserving and promoting Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.

This was revealed after a meeting between Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism Ms. Selamat Kassa and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot. The French FM also visited the National Museum and Gebre-Mariam French-Ethiopian High School, alias known as Lycée Gebrue Mariam School in Ethiopia.

During the visit, the French foreign minister was joined by Ms. Selamat Kassa and other senior government officials.

Addis Ababa, November 30, 2024 (FBC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) met and held a discussion at his office this morning with the President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Jin Liqun.

In a social media post regarding his meeting with the AIIB head, PM Abiy noted that their meeting focused on partnership between Ethiopia and the Bank on green energy, aviation and infrastructure.

Mr. Jin Liqun is visiting Ethiopia for the first time as the head of AIIB. During his stay in the country, Mr. Jin Liqun had several meetings with several ministers including the ministers of finance, water and energy and foreign affairs.

Addis Ababa, November (FBC) – The African Development Bank (AfDB), in its grand ceremony held in Addis Ababa, commemorated the bank’s 60th anniversary, reflecting on six decades of driving transformative development across the continent.

With Ethiopia playing a prominent role both historically and currently, the event underscored the profound impact of AfDB’s partnerships in fostering economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development.

The African Development Bank when established in 1964 with the vision of “Africans for Africa,” celebrated 60 years of unwavering commitment to the development of the continent.

Moreover, with the theme: “60 Years of Making a Difference,” the diamond jubilee celebration is showcasing the AfDB’s journey since its establishment and its vision for the African continent’s future.