Ethiopia deepens global diplomatic engagements across U.S., U.N., BRICS and key bilateral partnerships – MFA

Addis Ababa, May 21, 2026 (FMC) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia has outlined a series of recent high-level diplomatic engagements with international partners, highlighting strengthened cooperation with the United States, continued partnership with the United Nations, active engagement within BRICS, and enhanced bilateral coordination on citizen protection issues.

Speaking at a media briefing today, Spokesperson Ambassador Nebiat Getachew said the engagements reflect Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation in economic development, peace and security, and multilateral diplomacy.

He noted that in relations with the United States, a delegation led by Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held talks in Washington, D.C., resulting in the signing of the Bilateral Structured Dialogue (BSD) Framework Agreement between Ethiopia and the United States.

The agreement, signed by Minister Gedion Timothewos and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs Alison Hooker, establishes cooperation in three main areas: economic prosperity, trade and investment; defense and security; and regional peace and stability. During the visit, the Minister also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and engaged with experts at the Hudson Institute on bilateral and regional issues.

On Ethiopia’s partnership with the United Nations, Ambassador Nebiat said the country marked 80 years of cooperation with the UN through a commemorative stamp issue themed “Living Together in Peace,” jointly unveiled by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

He added that the commemoration reflects key milestones in Ethiopia–UN relations, including the signing of the UN Charter in 1945, Ethiopia’s peacekeeping contributions in the Congo, and the first UN Security Council meeting held on African soil.

He also referenced President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Ethiopia, during which both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in renewable and sustainable energy, including geothermal development.

Regarding multilateral engagement, the Spokesperson said Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in India under the theme “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

He noted that the Minister underscored the importance of coordinated multilateral diplomacy for a more balanced international system.

On the sidelines, he held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, with both sides reaffirming long-standing relations and commitment to broaden cooperation across multiple sectors.

Ambassador Nebiat further highlighted Ethiopia’s focus on citizen-centered diplomacy, particularly efforts to protect nationals abroad.

He said discussions were held with South African and Saudi Arabian officials on the safety and welfare of Ethiopian citizens. Minister Gedion held talks with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, while State Minister Berhanu Tsegaye met South Africa’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Nonceba Losi. Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination and establish a joint follow-up mechanism to address protection concerns.

He added that discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji focused on expanding legal employment opportunities and ensuring the welfare and safety of Ethiopian nationals in the Kingdom.