Ethiopia Advances Strategic Partnerships with Netherlands, UK on Trade, Development and Regional Peace

Addis Ababa, September 22, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has advanced strategic engagement with the Netherlands and the United Kingdom on trade, investment, development cooperation and regional peace and stability during high-level talks held on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Prime Minister’s Advisor on East African Affairs Getachew Reda held separate discussions with Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, and UK National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, covering bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

In his meeting with Minister Sjoerdsma, Getachew briefed him on current developments in the Horn of Africa, particularly the situation in Sudan, and highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to advance peace in the region.

The two sides also discussed bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation between Ethiopia and the Netherlands.

Minister Sjoerdsma expressed the Netherlands’ interest in expanding investment and strengthening economic cooperation with Ethiopia, while underscoring the importance of continued high-level engagement to further deepen the partnership across various fields.

In his discussion with UK National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, Getachew addressed trade, economic cooperation, development partnership, as well as regional peace and stability.

The sides underscored the need for closer cooperation to address the various challenges facing the region.

The engagements form part of Ethiopia’s active diplomatic participation in UNGA 81, bringing together its economic, development and regional peace priorities in discussions with key international partners.