Ethiopia–Belgium Ties Rooted in Centuries of Human and Cultural Connection — Ambassador

Addis Ababa, July 6, 2026 (FMC) — An art and culture exhibition marking 120 years of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Belgium has been held at the Africa Museum in Brussels.

The exhibition was jointly organized by the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Brussels and the AfricaMuseum as part of anniversary events celebrating long-standing bilateral ties.

It brought together diplomats, Belgian institutional representatives, scholars, artists, researchers, and members of the Ethiopian diaspora, highlighting more than a century of cultural and people-to-people relations.

The exhibition was opened by Director General of the AfricaMuseum, Bart Ovury, together with Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the EU and Benelux, Eshete Tilahun.

Ambassador Eshete said Ethiopia–Belgium relations are rooted in centuries of human and cultural connection, noting that while formal diplomatic ties began in 1906, contacts between the two peoples predate this by nearly two centuries.

He highlighted growing cooperation, particularly in economic areas including coffee trade, and stressed the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral relations.

Bart Ovury reaffirmed the museum’s commitment to strengthening cultural cooperation with Ethiopia and supporting heritage preservation and joint research initiatives, including continued African–European museum collaboration.

Ethiopian doctoral researchers under a joint program between the University of Antwerp and Bahir Dar University presented ongoing heritage conservation work.

The exhibition featured ancient Ethiopian manuscripts, cultural artifacts, and 3D preservation technologies, alongside a photographic display on 120 years of bilateral relation, the Ethiopian Embassy in Brussels told Fana Media Corporation.