Visit to Ethiopia by Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs

  The Minister was received in Addis Ababa by His Exc. Mr. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

Demeke Mekonnen and Jean-Yves Le Drian recalled the long-standing relationship of trust and friendship between France and Ethiopia and committed themselves to strengthening it, especially in the economic field.

The Minister welcomed Ethiopia’s announcement of the full implementation of the Algiers agreement and decisions of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission.

He praised the new Ethiopian government for its action in favor of national unity and the opening of the democratic space, in particular the release of many prisoners and the lifting of the state of emergency.

The French Minister recalled, inter alia, the leading role played by Ethiopia in peacekeeping operations and for the stability of Africa, particularly in Somalia and South Sudan, in close coordination with the United Nations, the African Union and IGAD.

  Jean-Yves Le Drian also met with His Exc. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission

In particular, they discussed peacekeeping issues, the results of the Kigali summit in March 2018, the development of relations between the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU), and the future of the agreements of EU-Group of African states, Caribbean and Pacific States.

They also stressed the importance of close consultation between the AU and France to support strong, balanced and inclusive multilateral responses to common challenges.
In this framework, a Declaration of Intent establishing a strategic dialogue and cooperation between the AU Commission and France has been signed. The Minister proposed that the first session of this strategic dialogue be held in autumn 2018 in Paris.

Photo credits: Judith Litvine - MEAE