EU Reaffirms Ethiopia’s Role as Strategic Partner in Horn of Africa, Red Sea Region

Addis Ababa, October 16, 2026 (FMC) — The European Union has reaffirmed Ethiopia’s role as a strategic partner in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, recognizing the country as a critical stabilizing anchor amid persistent fragility and evolving regional challenges.

The position was reiterated by European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela during a meeting with the Ethiopian delegation on the sidelines of the ongoing IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.

The discussions covered Ethiopia’s economic progress, the situation in the northern part of the country, and opportunities to align shared development priorities and sustain bilateral cooperation.

Síkela reaffirmed the EU’s strong political commitment to Ethiopia, emphasizing its strategic importance to regional stability. He also reiterated the Union’s support for Ethiopia’s stability and development.