A three-day diplomatic training on diplomacy and international relations, co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), for young diplomats from East African countries concluded in Addis Ababa last week on Friday (July 18). The training aimed to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen diplomatic ties across the Horn of Africa and the broader East African region.
The primary objective of the program was to strengthen the capacity of diplomats by equipping them with the essential skills to address complex global and regional challenges, while safeguarding Africa’s strategic interests on the international stage. The training focused on critical areas including the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa, peacebuilding, and diplomacy in a multipolar world.
In his opening remarks, Jafar Bedru, Executive Director of IFA, underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and the importance of fostering dialogue, trust, and cooperation among African nations. He encouraged participants to view the program as the foundation of their diplomatic careers and to cultivate the relationships forged during the training into enduring partnerships.
The program also included site visits to major development corridors in Addis Ababa, designed to give the young diplomats practical exposure to key national infrastructure projects. These visits offered insights into Ethiopia’s development agenda and highlighted the country’s potential as a leading African destination for tourism and investment
The training brought together diplomats from Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to deepen their understanding of African diplomacy and regional cooperation. Many lauded Ethiopia’s leadership and commitment to Pan-Africanism, emphasizing that the training contributes to advancing Africa’s long-term vision by fostering greater political, economic, and social integration across the continent.
In the closing ceremony, Abebe Mebratu, Chief of Staff to the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement among neighboring countries. He reiterated the value of such initiatives in strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties across the region. Jafar Bedru, Executive Director of the IFA, also extended his gratitude to the participants and encouraged them to maintain the networks and relationships formed during the training.
The program concluded with a formal certificate ceremony recognizing the participating diplomats’ successful completion of the training. This milestone marks a significant step forward in advancing regional diplomacy and cooperation.