Addis Ababa, November 13, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia stands out as a country with a rich cultural heritage, historical depth, and strategic importance in Africa, Spanish Ambassador to Ethiopia, Guillermo Antonio López Mac-Lelan, said.
The Ambassador recently engaged in an in-depth conversation with Fana Arabic podcast host Ms. Sara Bader, discussing a variety of important topics.
On the occasion, he described Ethiopia as a “key partner” for Spain in cooperation and development initiatives across the continent.
Highlighting the shared values between the two nations, Ambassador López noted Ethiopia’s embrace of cultural diversity, pluralism, and interfaith coexistence. “Ethiopia has welcomed the three monotheistic religions—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam—since its earliest history, and these faiths have coexisted peacefully for centuries,” he said.
The ambassador praised Ethiopia’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, recalling visits to Jimma and Harar. “I was deeply impressed by the cultural diversity and the dramatic geographical contrasts between the highlands and lowlands,” he said.
On the capital, Addis Ababa, he commented on its ongoing modernization, particularly improvements in water and sanitation infrastructure, while noting the challenge of balancing progress with preservation of tradition.
Tracing the history of bilateral ties, Ambassador López said Spain’s engagement in Ethiopia dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, while modern diplomatic relations were formalized during Emperor Haile Selassie’s reign in the 1960s.
Ethiopia is a priority country for Spanish cooperation through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), he said. Current projects focus on three key areas: public health and post-conflict mental health services, women’s social and economic empowerment, and climate resilience initiatives.
He also highlighted Spain’s collaboration with United Nations development programs, particularly in food security, reproductive health, and supporting national dialogue in Ethiopia. “Ethiopia’s rich history and culture are remarkable. It is a nation that was never colonized and has courageously resisted invasions,” López said.
Looking ahead, the ambassador stressed Spain’s commitment to strengthening political and economic ties with Ethiopia, citing its growing role within the BRICS group and its engagement with the Global South.
He emphasized that Spanish-Ethiopian relations are grounded in “mutual respect and balanced cooperation,” adding that Spain supports “a stronger African presence in international institutions” and continues to view Ethiopia as a strategic partner in the Horn of Africa.
By Sara Bader