NEWS IN A Week in the Horn 17.10.2025
Ethiopia
Ethiopia and the European Union signed a new partnership agreement on the sidelines of the Global Gateway Forum held from October 9-10 in Brussels, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides. The agreement, signed by President Taye Atske-Selassie and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirms the shared commitment to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development. (See article)
On Tuesday (October 14), President Taye received letters of credentials of newly appointed Ambassadors to Ethiopia from Mauritania, Kazakhstan, the Holy Sea, Bangladesh, the Arab League, Indonesia, Serbia, Sweden, Canada, Switzerland, Egypt, Hungary, San Marino and Turkmenistan.
The 18th National Flag Day was commemorated at the House of People’s Representatives under the theme “Our flag is the herald for a great era of prosperity, national unity, sovereignty, and the Ethiopian Renaissance.” President Taye Atske Selassie delivered a message on the 18th anniversary of Flag Day, saying this year’s motto shows that the flag is both a historical symbol and a testament to Ethiopia’s rapid growth.
The Council of Ministers chaired by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, held its 49th regular meeting on Tuesday (October 14) in Addis Ababa, addressing national priorities and adopting key resolutions.
On the same day, Prime Minister Abiy appointed Sandokan Debbebe as the newly established Commissioner of the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Md. Touhid Hossain at his office in Addis Ababa on Monday (October 13), stressing the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and investment.
Ethiopian Diplomacy Day was observed on Tuesday (October 14) with events held in Addis Ababa and at Ethiopian missions worldwide. Established to become an annual tradition, the day honors over a century of Ethiopia’s diplomatic legacy, grounded in peace, respect, and service to the nation. (See article)
On the same day, Minister Gedion met with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla at his office, where they discussed ways to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Cuba, which span fifty years of solidarity
Foreign Minister Gedion, along with the entire staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commemorated the 18th National Flag Day on Monday (October 13) at the ministry headquarters and across all Ethiopian missions abroad, highlighting the flag as a symbol of sovereignty, unity, and collective achievement through programs reflecting national pride and institutional solidarity.
Minister Gedion officially launched an intensive training on the Ministry’s Smart Office and Digitalization initiative on Wednesday (October 15), as part of its ongoing institutional reform efforts.
Ethiopia was recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its outstanding achievement under the Green Legacy Initiative, winning in the category of Sustainable Forest Management and Use on Wednesday (October 15). Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa received the award on behalf of Ethiopia at FAO Headquarters in Rome.
Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, attended the 114th Ministers and Governors of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four during the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings on Thursday (October 16). The G-24 Finance Ministers and Governors, under the chairmanship of Argentina, convened to discuss Structural Transformation Policies for Unlocking Growth Potential.
Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, met with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Abdullah Elihya on Wednesday (October 15) to build on discussions between the Ethiopian President and Kuwait’s Crown Prince at the UNGA. The meeting focused on enhancing the long-standing bilateral partnership and promoting economic cooperation. During his visit, the State Minister also held the third round of political consultations and a series of meetings aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.
Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, Jam Kamal Khan, arrived in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (October 15) to attend the 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition, scheduled for October 16–18. Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, he was warmly received by State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, along with other senior officials from the Ministry. The event saw the participation of more than 110 business delegates from Pakistan alongside companies from across the African continent.
Ethiopia was elected as the first vice chairperson of the UNHCR Executive Committee (ExCom) at the closing session of its 76th meeting in Geneva on Saturday (October 11), reflecting broad regional and international support.
Ethiopia participated in the Pre-COP30 Ministerial Meeting in Brasília on Monday (October 13), where Ambassador Leulseged Tadesse highlighted the Addis Ababa Declaration from the 2nd Africa Climate Summit as a key input for COP30, reaffirming Africa’s proactive role in climate solutions and citing Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a model of sustainable action.
Djibouti
Ambassador Legesse Tulu, appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of Djibouti, took the oath of office before Tewodros Mihret, President of the Federal Supreme Court, after receiving his credentials from President Taye on Tuesday (October 14).
Kenya
The 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government was convened on Thursday (October 9) in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Leveraging Digitization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by his delegation, participated in the summit and delivered a keynote address. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy expressed his condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday (October 15).
Somalia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia on Sunday (October 12), holding discussions on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.
Sudan
Ethiopian Airlines announced on Wednesday (October 15) the reinstatement of its flight to Port Sudan, which will operate daily. Starting November 1, the airline will increase the frequency to twice daily.
Africa and the African Union
Ethiopia launched the first export under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) on Thursday (October 9). Vice President of the Prosperity Party and Head of the Coordination Center for Democracy Building with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister Adem Farah, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe, Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime, Minister of Justice Hana Araya Selassie, senior government officials and distinguished guests welcomed the first cargo. (See article)
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla on Monday (October 13), where they discussed the historic ties between Africa and Cuba, both reaffirming their commitment to strengthening AU–Cuba relations
Chairperson Youssouf, together with Ethiopia’s Minister of Labour and Skills Development Muferihat Kamil Ahmed, officially opened Africa Skills Week 2025 on Tuesday (October 14) in Addis Ababa, calling for a continent-wide effort to strengthen skills and innovation.