Ethiopia and Botswana Leaders Place Shared Climate Challenges and African Priorities at Centre of COP31 Talks

Addis Ababa, November 11, 2026 (FMC) – Shared climate challenges and the need to strengthen Africa’s collective engagement in global climate negotiations featured prominently in discussions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko during the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Antalya, Türkiye.

The two leaders examined the climate challenges confronting their respective countries and the responses being pursued, while also discussing ways to reinforce cooperation as Ethiopia prepares to assume the COP32 Presidency.

Their talks covered coordination on COP32 and advancing a strong African climate agenda, placing the continent’s shared priorities within the wider climate negotiations.

The discussions also extended to broader areas of bilateral cooperation, reflecting the two countries’ interest in strengthening their relationship alongside their engagement on climate issues.

The meeting took place as world leaders gathered in Antalya for the COP31 Leaders’ Summit under the theme “Towards a Sustainable, Resilient and Equitable Future,” with Ethiopia preparing to host the next UN climate conference in Addis Ababa in 2027.