Ethiopia and EU Explore Expanded Cooperation on Global Health and Crisis Preparedness

Addis Ababa, June 8, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia and the European Union have discussed ways to expand cooperation on global health, humanitarian response, and crisis preparedness during high-level talks held in Addis Ababa between Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos and EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib.

During the meeting, Minister Gedion expressed appreciation for the European Union’s support and solidarity on global health issues, particularly recent cooperation in efforts to address the Ebola outbreak. He noted that continued EU assistance to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) represents a significant step in strengthening joint capacity to respond to emerging global health threats.

The Minister also briefed the EU Commissioner on peace and security developments in the Horn of Africa, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For her part, Commissioner Lahbib reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Africa and working closely with African institutions in addressing shared health and humanitarian challenges.

The discussions underscored ongoing efforts by Ethiopia and the European Union to deepen cooperation in health security, crisis management, and broader humanitarian preparedness.