Echoing a history stretching back to biblical times, the diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Israel are experiencing a significant resurgence, marked by high-level talks and a clear commitment to mutual growth and security. Just weeks after Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos’s visit to Jerusalem, his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, made Addis Ababa his first stop in Africa, a move underscoring the strategic importance Israel places on its relationship with the East African nation.
The atmosphere during the meeting between the two foreign ministers was one of deep respect and shared purpose. Minister Sa’ar eloquently stated that his swift follow-up visit “reflects our will to strengthen the cooperation and the relations between our countries,” emphasizing the “deep and historic” connection between the two peoples.
Choosing Ethiopia as his initial African destination as Foreign Minister was a deliberate decision, as Minister Sa’ar explained, “We see Ethiopia as an important partner, and we want to upgrade the relationship between the countries in all aspects.” He further hailed Ethiopia as “a gateway to Africa for us,” acknowledging the crucial role of Ethiopian Airlines in maintaining connectivity even during challenging times.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos warmly reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his delight in hosting Minister Sa’ar. He highlighted the burgeoning economic dimension of their partnership, asserting, “We believe that ties in investment, trade, and economic cooperation between the two countries would serve as an anchor to a comprehensive strategic partnership between Israel and Ethiopia.”
The discussions spanned a range of vital sectors, including agriculture and technology transfer. Minister Gedion Timothewos proudly pointed to the tangible success of Israeli technical assistance, noting, “Israeli technical cooperation has been, for example, very important in transforming horticulture practices in Ethiopia. Particularly, our avocado exports have boomed thanks to Israeli technical cooperation.” Both ministers voiced their dedication to expanding collaboration in these areas.
Adding a significant economic dimension to the diplomatic engagement, Minister Sa’ar arrived accompanied by a substantial business delegation. He announced a major Israel business forum slated for the following day, anticipating “dozens of public and private sector participants from both countries, seeking new business and collaboration opportunities.” This forum signals a concrete step towards realizing the “great potential in trade and economic partnerships” that both nations envision.
Beyond economic opportunities, a significant portion of the talks addressed the pressing issue of terrorism, identified as a “common threat” by Minister Sa’ar. His Ethiopian counterpart firmly agreed, stating, “Terrorism is a threat both to Israel and Ethiopia, as well as the global community.” Both ministers underscored the critical importance of “continued and strengthened cooperation in this sector” to effectively counter terrorism in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
Concluding their productive meeting, both foreign ministers reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to bolstering their longstanding bilateral relations. Minister Gedion Timothewos expressed optimism that this visit would inject “further impetus and momentum to this growing and very critical partnership for both countries.”
Minister Sa’ar’s visit to Addis Ababa serves as a powerful testament to the deepening diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Ethiopia and Israel. At a time of regional and global complexities, this renewed focus on collaboration signals a strategic alignment with the potential to yield significant benefits for both nations and the wider region. The strengthening of this historic bond promises a future of increased cooperation and mutual prosperity.
