Addis Ababa, July 10, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year (2024/25) was marked by wide-ranging diplomatic successes that enhanced the country’s national interests, legal frameworks, and international cooperation.
Delivering a press briefing to local and international media this morning, MFA Spokesperson Ambassador Nebiat Getachew stated that Ethiopia engaged in strategic diplomatic activities aimed at deepening bilateral partnerships, fostering regional integration, and advancing global cooperation.
He noted that 11 international agreements deemed beneficial to Ethiopia were ratified by the House of People’s Representatives, while 198 additional agreements and MoUs underwent legal review to ensure alignment with the country’s evolving diplomatic and legal frameworks.
“These engagements have expanded Ethiopia’s capacity to collaborate with diverse partners on multifaceted issues, in ways that are mutually beneficial and nationally strategic,” Ambassador Nebiat remarked.
As part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties, Ethiopia provided 968 full scholarships in higher education to students from neighboring countries during the fiscal year.
Ambassador Nebiat also issued important guidance on immigration and consular affairs, particularly for Ethiopians traveling to the United States. He urged citizens holding student or tourist visas to closely follow updated U.S. immigration policies, warning that overstaying visas may lead to serious consequences. He emphasized the need for accuracy in documentation and truthfulness during visa interviews.
The Spokesperson further noted that foreign nationals, including those of Ethiopian origin without valid Ethiopian-Origin ID cards, must also comply with Ethiopian immigration laws, or face legal action for overstays.
In the sphere of economic diplomacy, Ethiopia promoted its investment landscape at 160 investment forums and facilitated 151 new market linkages through 118 trade promotion events. These initiatives aimed to attract foreign investment and expand the country’s export reach.
Regarding citizen protection, the Ministry reported that 131,014 Ethiopian nationals stranded in 21 countries under difficult circumstances were successfully repatriated over the past year.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Nebiat announced that Ethiopia will co-host the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa from July 27–29, 2025, alongside the Government of Italy. The summit will spotlight Ethiopia’s achievements in agriculture, food systems transformation, and food sovereignty, while also advancing its national interests in global policy discussions.
Preparations are being coordinated by a National Organizing Committee, which is also gearing up for the Second African Climate Change Conference, set to be held a month later and expected to draw up to 25,000 participants.
Ambassador Nebiat concluded by reaffirming Ethiopia’s practical commitment to climate action. He said the country’s Green Legacy Initiative will be prominently featured at the summits as a demonstration of Ethiopia’s real contributions to global climate solutions beyond rhetoric.