Armenia and Ethiopia strengthen ties rooted in a unique historical friendship, says Deputy FM

Addis Ababa, June 12, 2025 (FMC) – Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vahan Kostanyan emphasized that Armenia is committed to deepening its longstanding friendship and strengthening bilateral relations with Ethiopia, anchored in a unique historical bond.

Speaking to local news agency ENA during his recent official visit to Ethiopia, Kostanyan highlighted the century-old ties and enduring friendship between the two nations. He noted that relations between the Ethiopian and Armenian peoples date back to the 4th century and continue to flourish today.

Deputy Minister Kostanyan pointed out that the legacy of the Armenian community remains visibly present in Addis Ababa. Though relatively small in number today, the Armenian community has had a centuries-old presence in Ethiopia, originally drawn to the country—particularly Addis Ababa—as traders and artisans. Over time, Armenians became trusted and valued members of Ethiopian society.

He remarked, “The Armenian community includes jewelers, musicians, and traders who have contributed to Ethiopia’s development. We already share 32 years of formal diplomatic relations, and we have a unique opportunity to build on the historical friendship between our nations to further strengthen bilateral ties.”

Kostanyan elaborated on the tremendous potential for collaboration between Armenia and Ethiopia across multiple sectors. “The political consultations and discussions I held with senior Ethiopian officials over the past two days reveal great opportunities for cooperation in political, economic, educational, and high-tech fields.”

Describing his visit as a significant diplomatic milestone, the Deputy Foreign Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation in culture, education, technology, and healthcare. He cited a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Armenia and Ethiopia aimed at expanding collaboration in science, culture, and education.

“Just two weeks ago, a high-level Armenian delegation led by our Deputy Minister of Culture, Science, and Education visited Addis Ababa, accompanied by representatives from various cultural and educational institutions. Several MoUs were signed during this visit, laying the groundwork for future cooperation between our countries,” he noted.

Furthermore, Ethiopia and Armenia have engaged in political consultations exploring the establishment of an intergovernmental commission that would provide a comprehensive framework for cooperation across diverse areas.

The discussions also covered regional issues in the Horn of Africa, broader African affairs, and global challenges. Kostanyan underscored the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening multilateralism as active members of international organizations, including the United Nations.