April 17, 2025
The 5th session of the Ethiopia-Algeria Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from April 12–13. The Ethiopian delegation was led by Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs, while the Algerian side was headed by Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs. The JMC, aimed at strengthening the historical and strategic partnership between the two nations, was preceded by discussions among senior government officials and experts. The agenda adopted for the session facilitated in-depth discussions across various sectors, including political, economic, social, and cultural issues.
During the political discussions, the JMC highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between Ethiopia and Algeria, founded on mutual trust and a shared vision for Pan-Africanism. The session reviewed the implementation of decisions from the previous JMC meeting, with a focus on bilateral, regional, and international cooperation, while also exploring new avenues for collaboration. Both parties acknowledged the successful implementation of past agreements and recognized the need for regular meetings and political consultations, as stipulated in the decisions of the Fourth Joint Ministerial Commission held in 2017. it also recognized the strategic partnership agreement signed on June 30, 2013, and emphasized the importance of high-level visits in further strengthening bilateral relations.
The two sides reiterated their commitment to addressing pressing regional, continental, and international challenges, stressing the importance of enhancing their partnership. They discussed the current situation in East and North Africa, underscoring the need for African-led initiatives to ensure peace and stability in these regions. The parties also highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation on multilateral platforms to address issues such as peace and security, recurring conflicts, counter-terrorism, illegal human trafficking, and the impacts of climate change. They reaffirmed their support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and emphasized the need for a unified African voice in global forums.
On economic cooperation, the JMC underscored the importance of enhancing trade and investment ties. They noted the recent visit of a high-level Algerian delegation led by Mohamed Arkab, Minister of State for Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, which aimed to boost economic relations, particularly in the energy sector. Both parties expressed interest in developing renewable energy projects and strengthening electricity networks in partnership. They agreed to activate mechanisms for trade exhibitions and joint business forums to promote economic cooperation and welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and the Algerian Chamber of Commerce to foster business connections. They also recognized the potential for collaboration in agriculture and fisheries, with plans to organize expert meetings to explore joint projects.
In the realm of social and cultural cooperation, the JMC acknowledged the importance of collaboration in higher education and scientific research. Both parties agreed to facilitate student exchanges, joint scientific projects, and cooperation in artificial intelligence research. A new Cultural Cooperation Program for 2025–2027 was signed, aimed at promoting cultural exchanges and enhancing people-to-people ties.
The session concluded with the signing of nine MoUs, two declarations of intent, and two executive programs covering a wide range of sectors including agriculture, culture and art, sports, investment promotion, academic exchange, entrepreneurship, the pharmaceutical industry, energy and mining, and space sciences. These agreements are expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation across multiple areas.
Both delegations expressed appreciation for the cordial atmosphere and constructive discussions. They committed to holding the sixth session of the JMC in 2027 in Algeria, further solidifying the partnership between Ethiopia and Algeria.
The outcomes of the 5th JMC reflect a shared vision for deeper cooperation, aiming to enhance stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange between the two sisterly nations. As Ethiopia and Algeria continue to strengthen their ties, their commitment to mutual support and collaborative development remains a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship.