Ethiopia, Netherlands Deepen Political and Economic Partnership Through Fourth Consultations

Addis Ababa, September 3, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia and the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation and strengthening collaboration on regional and global issues as the two countries held their fourth political consultations in Addis Ababa.

The Ethiopian delegation was led by Ambassador Meles Alem, Director General of European and American Affairs, while the Dutch delegation was led by Pascalle Grotenhuis, Vice Minister for International Cooperation of the Netherlands.

The consultations reviewed the longstanding partnership between the two countries, with particular emphasis on economic cooperation. Ethiopia highlighted the established collaboration with the Netherlands in agriculture, horticulture, dairy development and cold-chain infrastructure, as well as the contribution of Dutch investors to the Ethiopian economy.

Ethiopia also reaffirmed its commitment to creating a more conducive environment for investment through the implementation of its Homegrown Economic Reform Program.

The two sides exchanged views on peace, development, regional affairs and multilateral issues. Ethiopia outlined its efforts to advance peace, democratic participation and national consensus, including through the recently concluded seventh national elections and the National Dialogue.

Ethiopia also recognized the Netherlands’ support for the implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), and transitional justice, while calling for continued cooperation in advancing its peace and development priorities.

The discussions further addressed regional peace and stability, economic cooperation and the reform of the international multilateral system.

The Netherlands expressed interest in expanding investment and strengthening economic ties with Ethiopia, while welcoming progress in the country’s economic reform efforts. It also recognized Ethiopia’s role in the multilateral system and voiced support for reforms aimed at making international institutions more representative and responsive to contemporary global realities.

Both sides stressed the importance of sustained high-level engagement, including exchanges of official visits, and reaffirmed their commitment to broadening cooperation across political, economic, regional and multilateral spheres as Ethiopia and the Netherlands mark a century of bilateral trade relations.