Ethiopia to Diversify and Include More People in Diplomacy

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia (MFA) is working to diversify and include more people in its diplomatic engagements.

In a biweekly press briefing on Monday, MFA spokesperson Ambassador Meles Alem said that the ministry is focusing on holistic and cross-cutting engagements in the areas of aviation, sports, culture, and people-to-people diplomacy.

Amb. Meles stressed that diplomacy is not just for career diplomats but for the wider public. He said that the government is working to build the capacity of foreign service personnel while capitalizing on merit and professionalism to increase the efficiency and efficacy of the nation’s diplomacy and foreign relations.

Amb. Meles also spoke about the current state of affairs in Ethiopia. He said that the government is committed to furthering post-conflict peace consolidation efforts in tandem with the implementation of transitional justice and national dialogue mechanisms. He added that these efforts are aimed at sustainably protecting Ethiopia’s national interests and expanding the sphere of its influence in global affairs.

On Ethiopia’s foreign policy in the Horn of Africa, Amb. Meles said that the country’s main imperative is ensuring peace and stability, as well as economic integration buttressed by people-to-people and infrastructural linkages.

He also said that Ethiopia is committed to championing Pan-African ideals and solving African problems through African mechanisms.

In the Middle East, Amb. Meles said that the government is working closely with countries of the Gulf to further boost multifaceted relations, especially in the areas of trade, investment, and job opportunities for Ethiopian nationals in those nations.

He also said that the MFA is working on normalizing relations with the United States and the European Union, as well as boosting relations with Asian, Pacific, and South American countries.

The overall diplomatic engagements of Ethiopia in multilateral fora, including the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), will be guided by its commitment to multilateralism and enhancing its participation.

Ambassador Meles concluded the press briefing by responding to questions from reporters.