News: Rights group accuses #Tigray authorities of forcibly recruiting civilians, says campaign has created a "climate of fear"
Human Rights Watch (#HRW) has accused authorities in #Ethiopia's Tigray region of carrying out a campaign of forced recruitment targeting civilians, including children as young as 16, alleging that regional forces have abducted former combatants and other men and boys since at least April 2026.
In a report released today, the rights organization said the recruitment campaign has created "a climate of fear" across the region, with civilians allegedly being rounded up from streets, workplaces, homes, and artisanal gold-mining sites before being transferred to military camps.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58106
Human Rights Watch (#HRW) has accused authorities in #Ethiopia's Tigray region of carrying out a campaign of forced recruitment targeting civilians, including children as young as 16, alleging that regional forces have abducted former combatants and other men and boys since at least April 2026.
In a report released today, the rights organization said the recruitment campaign has created "a climate of fear" across the region, with civilians allegedly being rounded up from streets, workplaces, homes, and artisanal gold-mining sites before being transferred to military camps.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58106
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El Sisi opens vast ‘Octagon’ state HQ in new #Egyptian capital
President Abdel Fattah #El_Sisi has opened the “#Octagon”, a vast structure in Egypt's New Capital that serves as a national command centre that the Egyptian leader said reflects the will of the nation.
Wearing a field marshal uniform and sunglasses, Mr El Sisi, also the supreme commander of the armed forces, delivered an address championing the defining policies of his 13-year rule, from zero tolerance of political Islam to unmitigated opposition to the Arab uprisings.
He also stressed his resolve to push on with economic reforms under which prices and services have risen beyond the reach of many, the Egyptian pound weakened significantly, and new taxes were introduced.
It was the first time in more than a decade that the Egyptian leader, a career army officer, had appeared in military uniform in public. He last donned.......
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/07/05/el-sisi-opens-vast-octagon-state-hq-in-new-egyptian-capital/
President Abdel Fattah #El_Sisi has opened the “#Octagon”, a vast structure in Egypt's New Capital that serves as a national command centre that the Egyptian leader said reflects the will of the nation.
Wearing a field marshal uniform and sunglasses, Mr El Sisi, also the supreme commander of the armed forces, delivered an address championing the defining policies of his 13-year rule, from zero tolerance of political Islam to unmitigated opposition to the Arab uprisings.
He also stressed his resolve to push on with economic reforms under which prices and services have risen beyond the reach of many, the Egyptian pound weakened significantly, and new taxes were introduced.
It was the first time in more than a decade that the Egyptian leader, a career army officer, had appeared in military uniform in public. He last donned.......
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/07/05/el-sisi-opens-vast-octagon-state-hq-in-new-egyptian-capital/
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#Opinion: Advocacy Abroad, Selective Protection at Home: How #xenophobia undermines #South_Africa’s human rights crusade at the #ICJ
South Africa's case against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICJ) has strengthened its reputation as a champion of human rights, affirming the principle that "no country should be exempt from international legal scrutiny when civilian lives are at risk," writes Samson Hailu. He contends, however, that this credibility is compromised domestically, where #African_migrants—#Ethiopians in particular—continue to face recurrent xenophobic violence, notwithstanding constitutional guarantees of equality for "everyone."
The author argues that South Africa's advocacy on the world stage, rooted in principles of human dignity and accountability, must be reflected in its conduct at home. As he puts it, "Universal human rights cannot stop at national borders."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58103
South Africa's case against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICJ) has strengthened its reputation as a champion of human rights, affirming the principle that "no country should be exempt from international legal scrutiny when civilian lives are at risk," writes Samson Hailu. He contends, however, that this credibility is compromised domestically, where #African_migrants—#Ethiopians in particular—continue to face recurrent xenophobic violence, notwithstanding constitutional guarantees of equality for "everyone."
The author argues that South Africa's advocacy on the world stage, rooted in principles of human dignity and accountability, must be reflected in its conduct at home. As he puts it, "Universal human rights cannot stop at national borders."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58103
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Tali Mekere: A first-generation engineer's path to success from #Ethiopia to #Netanya
For Tali Mekere, aliyah from Ethiopia was accompanied by many challenges, but also by resilience, perseverance, and determination to build a better future.
The transition to a new life in #Israel began at the age of five. During their first years in the country, the family lived in an absorption center in Acre, where her younger sister and brother were born, before relocating to Netanya.
The transition to a new life in Israel was accompanied by many challenges, but also by resilience, perseverance, and determination to build a better future.
Adjusting to life in Israel was not easy. Mekere’s parents did not speak #Hebrew and worked long hours to make ends meet.
“As the oldest, I took care of my younger siblings and helped my parents bridge the language and cultural gaps. I had a lot of responsibility,” she recalls.
Despite these challenges, Mekere loved learning .....
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-901156
For Tali Mekere, aliyah from Ethiopia was accompanied by many challenges, but also by resilience, perseverance, and determination to build a better future.
The transition to a new life in #Israel began at the age of five. During their first years in the country, the family lived in an absorption center in Acre, where her younger sister and brother were born, before relocating to Netanya.
The transition to a new life in Israel was accompanied by many challenges, but also by resilience, perseverance, and determination to build a better future.
Adjusting to life in Israel was not easy. Mekere’s parents did not speak #Hebrew and worked long hours to make ends meet.
“As the oldest, I took care of my younger siblings and helped my parents bridge the language and cultural gaps. I had a lot of responsibility,” she recalls.
Despite these challenges, Mekere loved learning .....
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-901156
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News: #Ethiopia excluded from global food crisis report due to data gaps despite ongoing humanitarian food needs
The report notes that Ethiopia had been included in the 2025 edition, representing more than 27 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity in 2024 alongside four other countries and territories, but “no updated estimates were available for 2025.” It attributes the growing data gaps to “a combination of factors, including challenges to obtain authorization to collect or share data, limited funding and a lack of priority for data collection.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58109
The report notes that Ethiopia had been included in the 2025 edition, representing more than 27 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity in 2024 alongside four other countries and territories, but “no updated estimates were available for 2025.” It attributes the growing data gaps to “a combination of factors, including challenges to obtain authorization to collect or share data, limited funding and a lack of priority for data collection.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58109
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Rights group accuses #Tigray authorities of forcibly recruiting civilians, says campaign has created a "climate of fear"
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News: #Ethiopian Airlines' new #Lyon service draws attention for operating Europe's shortest Airbus A350 flight
Ethiopian Airlines' newly launched passenger service to Lyon, #France, is drawing attention in aviation circles after industry publications highlighted that part of the route includes what is believed to be #Europe's shortest scheduled #Airbus A350 flight.
According to aviation news outlet Simple Flying and travel industry publication Travel and Tour World, the airline's new #Addis_Abeba–#Geneva–#Lyon service features a 45-minute flight between Geneva, #Switzerland, and Lyon, France, covering just 98 kilometers (53 nautical miles). The route began operations on 02 July as part of Ethiopian Airlines' expansion of its European network.
The service, which operates three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, replaces the airline's previous Geneva–Brussels tag-on route......
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58114
Ethiopian Airlines' newly launched passenger service to Lyon, #France, is drawing attention in aviation circles after industry publications highlighted that part of the route includes what is believed to be #Europe's shortest scheduled #Airbus A350 flight.
According to aviation news outlet Simple Flying and travel industry publication Travel and Tour World, the airline's new #Addis_Abeba–#Geneva–#Lyon service features a 45-minute flight between Geneva, #Switzerland, and Lyon, France, covering just 98 kilometers (53 nautical miles). The route began operations on 02 July as part of Ethiopian Airlines' expansion of its European network.
The service, which operates three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, replaces the airline's previous Geneva–Brussels tag-on route......
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58114
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News: #Heart_Attack_Ethiopia launches fifth life-saving cardiac mission in #Ethiopia
Heart Attack Ethiopia is a non-profit organization co-founded by Dr Tesfaye Telila, an Ethiopian-American interventional cardiologist practicing in Atlanta, Georgia, and his wife Dr Obsinet Merid, an Ethiopian-American assistant professor of medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine.
“Day 1 of Heart Attack Ethiopia Mission #5 is officially underway,” Dr Obsinet said. “Today marks the beginning of another life-saving journey as our incredible team of international and Ethiopian volunteers comes together with one shared purpose: to save lives, restore hope, and strengthen Ethiopia’s cardiovascular care capacity.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58119
Heart Attack Ethiopia is a non-profit organization co-founded by Dr Tesfaye Telila, an Ethiopian-American interventional cardiologist practicing in Atlanta, Georgia, and his wife Dr Obsinet Merid, an Ethiopian-American assistant professor of medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine.
“Day 1 of Heart Attack Ethiopia Mission #5 is officially underway,” Dr Obsinet said. “Today marks the beginning of another life-saving journey as our incredible team of international and Ethiopian volunteers comes together with one shared purpose: to save lives, restore hope, and strengthen Ethiopia’s cardiovascular care capacity.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58119
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#Ethiopia excluded from global food crisis report due to data gaps despite ongoing humanitarian food needs
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News: #Tigray authorities threaten own Grade 12 exams, reject federal rescheduling as ‘discriminatory’
In comments to #Addis_Standard, #Kiros_Guesh (PhD), head of the Tigray Education Bureau, said the bureau would not cooperate with the new timetable announced by the Educational Assessment and Examinations Services (#EAES), describing it as discriminatory.
"Unless they decide to schedule our students' examinations according to the previously communicated calendar and on the same days as students in the rest of #Ethiopia, the Tigray Education Bureau will not cooperate with the new schedule arranged specifically for Tigray," Kiros said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58123
In comments to #Addis_Standard, #Kiros_Guesh (PhD), head of the Tigray Education Bureau, said the bureau would not cooperate with the new timetable announced by the Educational Assessment and Examinations Services (#EAES), describing it as discriminatory.
"Unless they decide to schedule our students' examinations according to the previously communicated calendar and on the same days as students in the rest of #Ethiopia, the Tigray Education Bureau will not cooperate with the new schedule arranged specifically for Tigray," Kiros said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58123
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News: #Tigray Medical Association condemns detention of #Adigrat hospital chief, demands immediate release
Citing information from its members in Adigrat, TMA said that “no lawful justification or due process has been communicated to the Association, his colleagues, or his family” regarding his detention.
Describing it as “a serious violation of the rights of medical professionals to move and associate freely and to engage in legitimate scientific and educational activity without harassment,” TMA further warned that the detention undermines “two institutions critical to Tigray's recovery.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58127
Citing information from its members in Adigrat, TMA said that “no lawful justification or due process has been communicated to the Association, his colleagues, or his family” regarding his detention.
Describing it as “a serious violation of the rights of medical professionals to move and associate freely and to engage in legitimate scientific and educational activity without harassment,” TMA further warned that the detention undermines “two institutions critical to Tigray's recovery.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58127
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More than 300 children killed or injured in #Sudan war in 6 months, #UNICEF says
The war in Sudan has killed or wounded more than 300 children in the last six months, mostly from drone strikes, the U.N. children’s agency said Monday.
The Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been fighting since April 2023. The war is now concentrated in the Kordofan, Darfur and Blue Nile states, with drone warfare causing 60% of casualties, according to UNICEF.
The U.N., #US, #UK. and others have expressed alarm about potential atrocities as the #RSF and the military fight for control of the strategic city of el-Obeid in North #Kordofan.
In #Geneva on Monday, the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council approved a measure, brought by five European countries, condemning the escalating violence by the RSF and its allies in and around el-Obeid.
The measure, approved without a vote, also encourages greater.....
https://apnews.com/article/sudan-war-children-drone-rsf-army-9ac6245afb2c0e3cfc96da5ceda14f48
The war in Sudan has killed or wounded more than 300 children in the last six months, mostly from drone strikes, the U.N. children’s agency said Monday.
The Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been fighting since April 2023. The war is now concentrated in the Kordofan, Darfur and Blue Nile states, with drone warfare causing 60% of casualties, according to UNICEF.
The U.N., #US, #UK. and others have expressed alarm about potential atrocities as the #RSF and the military fight for control of the strategic city of el-Obeid in North #Kordofan.
In #Geneva on Monday, the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council approved a measure, brought by five European countries, condemning the escalating violence by the RSF and its allies in and around el-Obeid.
The measure, approved without a vote, also encourages greater.....
https://apnews.com/article/sudan-war-children-drone-rsf-army-9ac6245afb2c0e3cfc96da5ceda14f48
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News: #Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives in Addis Abeba for working visit without reception by #Ethiopian counterpart
Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, arrived in #Addis_Abeba on Monday for a working visit, the first stop of his #African tour, but was not received at the airport by his Ethiopian counterpart, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos.
Instead, according to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lavrov was welcomed at Addis Abeba Bole International Airport by Ambassador Meles Alem, Director General for #European and #American Affairs at the ministry.
The visit comes as Ethiopia and Russia continue to deepen bilateral ties following Ethiopia’s accession as a full member of #BRICS, expanding cooperation beyond the areas discussed during Lavrov’s previous visit to Addis Abeba in July 2022.
According to Russia’s state news agency TASS,......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02ciXeo5ubGz97F7cn4QBaBbyYWjoqFM48JREzmwQdgK2nx56DP84SV8eWvfvyoPENl
Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, arrived in #Addis_Abeba on Monday for a working visit, the first stop of his #African tour, but was not received at the airport by his Ethiopian counterpart, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos.
Instead, according to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lavrov was welcomed at Addis Abeba Bole International Airport by Ambassador Meles Alem, Director General for #European and #American Affairs at the ministry.
The visit comes as Ethiopia and Russia continue to deepen bilateral ties following Ethiopia’s accession as a full member of #BRICS, expanding cooperation beyond the areas discussed during Lavrov’s previous visit to Addis Abeba in July 2022.
According to Russia’s state news agency TASS,......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02ciXeo5ubGz97F7cn4QBaBbyYWjoqFM48JREzmwQdgK2nx56DP84SV8eWvfvyoPENl
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News: #PM_Abiy invokes Derg-era alliance, alleges #Sudan, #TPLF, #Eritrea collaboration, hints at unnamed external actors
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday alleged that Sudan, the TPLF, and Eritrea are collaborating against #Ethiopia, drawing parallels with the alliance that contributed to the overthrow of the Derg regime while suggesting that unnamed external actors are also involved.
Speaking before the House of Peoples' Representatives, Abiy dismissed the alleged alliance as posing no threat to Ethiopia's sovereignty.
The remarks came during the House of Peoples' Representatives' 30th regular session, where the Prime Minister responded to questions and comments from lawmakers. "Let alone Shabia, Weyane, and Sudan—even if others were added, there is not a single grain of threat to Ethiopia's sovereignty," Abiy told parliament.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58132
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday alleged that Sudan, the TPLF, and Eritrea are collaborating against #Ethiopia, drawing parallels with the alliance that contributed to the overthrow of the Derg regime while suggesting that unnamed external actors are also involved.
Speaking before the House of Peoples' Representatives, Abiy dismissed the alleged alliance as posing no threat to Ethiopia's sovereignty.
The remarks came during the House of Peoples' Representatives' 30th regular session, where the Prime Minister responded to questions and comments from lawmakers. "Let alone Shabia, Weyane, and Sudan—even if others were added, there is not a single grain of threat to Ethiopia's sovereignty," Abiy told parliament.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58132
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#Ethiopia: In final scrutiny before term ends, MPs confront PM Abiy over peace, inflation, development gaps
MPs from both the ruling Prosperity Party and opposition benches repeatedly questioned the gap between government-reported achievements and the daily realities faced by citizens, pressing the Prime Minister on how his administration plans to address insecurity, inflation, unemployment and regional disparities during the next fiscal year.
The strongest criticism came from opposition MP Dr. Dessalegn Chanie, who said the government’s macroeconomic figures “clash fiercely with the reality on the ground.”
"The price paid by the Ethiopian people over the past five years has been immense and heavy," the outgoing MP said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58136
MPs from both the ruling Prosperity Party and opposition benches repeatedly questioned the gap between government-reported achievements and the daily realities faced by citizens, pressing the Prime Minister on how his administration plans to address insecurity, inflation, unemployment and regional disparities during the next fiscal year.
The strongest criticism came from opposition MP Dr. Dessalegn Chanie, who said the government’s macroeconomic figures “clash fiercely with the reality on the ground.”
"The price paid by the Ethiopian people over the past five years has been immense and heavy," the outgoing MP said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58136
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News: Ruling Party backs two-term limit agenda as opposition MP warns #Ethiopia’s dialogue must be independent
“Across Africa, we are accustomed to hearing about constitutional amendments to extend terms, but we have not heard of a country with no term limit imposing restrictions on itself,” Abiy said, referring to the absence of an explicit prime ministerial term limit in Ethiopia’s current constitution.
Opposition MP Dr. Dessalegn Chanie, who represented Bahir Dar City in the outgoing parliament, said the national dialogue must be fundamentally independent and inclusive if it is to address Ethiopia’s political crises.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58140
“Across Africa, we are accustomed to hearing about constitutional amendments to extend terms, but we have not heard of a country with no term limit imposing restrictions on itself,” Abiy said, referring to the absence of an explicit prime ministerial term limit in Ethiopia’s current constitution.
Opposition MP Dr. Dessalegn Chanie, who represented Bahir Dar City in the outgoing parliament, said the national dialogue must be fundamentally independent and inclusive if it is to address Ethiopia’s political crises.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58140
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#PM_Abiy invokes Derg-era alliance, alleges #Sudan, #TPLF, #Eritrea collaboration, hints at unnamed external actors
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News: #PM_Abiy alleges #Tigrayan youth forcibly recruited and sent to fight in #Sudan
Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed has alleged that Tigrayan youth are being forcibly recruited and sent to fight in neighboring Sudan, saying the practice is among the most serious challenges in Tigray.
Speaking before the House of Peoples' Representatives during its 30th regular session, where he responded to questions and comments from lawmakers, Abiy said there are "daily provocations" originating from forces in #Tigray, but dismissed an alleged alliance involving the #TPLF as posing no threat to #Ethiopia's sovereignty.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58144
Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed has alleged that Tigrayan youth are being forcibly recruited and sent to fight in neighboring Sudan, saying the practice is among the most serious challenges in Tigray.
Speaking before the House of Peoples' Representatives during its 30th regular session, where he responded to questions and comments from lawmakers, Abiy said there are "daily provocations" originating from forces in #Tigray, but dismissed an alleged alliance involving the #TPLF as posing no threat to #Ethiopia's sovereignty.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58144
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Opinion: Abiy Ahmed wins: War and elections
In her latest opinion piece for Addis Standard, #Semhal_Meles examines the intersection of war, elections, constitutional crises, and state power in Ethiopia, arguing that the 2026 election should be understood not only as a democratic exercise, but also as a test of political authority after years of wars.
“The international community graded the 2026 election not on its democratic merits, but as a test of Abiy Ahmed’s ability to impose state power across the federation - excluding Tigray,” a region where the 2022 cessation of hostilities agreement suspended and supplanted the regional constitution, the founding document that defines its relationship with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Read Semhal’s opinion of how the wars over ballots, legitimacy, and federal power continue to shape Ethiopia’s political trajectory.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58150
In her latest opinion piece for Addis Standard, #Semhal_Meles examines the intersection of war, elections, constitutional crises, and state power in Ethiopia, arguing that the 2026 election should be understood not only as a democratic exercise, but also as a test of political authority after years of wars.
“The international community graded the 2026 election not on its democratic merits, but as a test of Abiy Ahmed’s ability to impose state power across the federation - excluding Tigray,” a region where the 2022 cessation of hostilities agreement suspended and supplanted the regional constitution, the founding document that defines its relationship with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Read Semhal’s opinion of how the wars over ballots, legitimacy, and federal power continue to shape Ethiopia’s political trajectory.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58150
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#Ethiopia: FM Gedion, #Russia’s Lavrov discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, coordination within #BRICS
Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is on an official visit to Ethiopia, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said.
During the meeting this afternoon, Gedion highlighted the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Russia which "spans generations" and continues to provide a strong foundation for the two countries' bilateral relations.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest and discussed ways to deepen cooperation beyond their longstanding political and diplomatic relations, according to the Ministry.
The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, & technology transfer... https://x.com/addisstandard/status/20745027048821927
Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is on an official visit to Ethiopia, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said.
During the meeting this afternoon, Gedion highlighted the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Russia which "spans generations" and continues to provide a strong foundation for the two countries' bilateral relations.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest and discussed ways to deepen cooperation beyond their longstanding political and diplomatic relations, according to the Ministry.
The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, & technology transfer... https://x.com/addisstandard/status/20745027048821927