Weekly Message

Weekly Message

Ethiopia’s International Relations Progress for Building a Model Nation

Ethiopia is one of the few countries in the world that occupies a truly distinctive place in global history and imagination. This uniqueness stems from multiple sources: its ancient human heritage, enduring civilization, strategic geographical location, and historic role as a beacon of freedom. Together, these attributes have secured Ethiopia a prominent place not only in world history, but also in the collective imagination of diverse peoples across continents.

For Arabs, Ethiopia has long been known as Habesha—a land ruled by a peaceful and just king. Europeans, drawing on the same name, have historically romanticized Abyssinia in their cultural and intellectual traditions. Africans, meanwhile, have celebrated Ethiopia as a free nation—united under its own leadership and heroic in its collective resistance to colonialism—so revered that its soil was considered sacred and inviolable. In this sense, Ethiopia is not merely a nation; it is a powerful symbol of ancient civilization, dignity, and resilience, deeply embedded in the hearts of people around the world.

Recognizing this historical depth and symbolic stature, the Prosperity Party and the Medemer-led government have placed particular emphasis on transforming Ethiopia’s international relations during the years of national renewal. Guided by the vision encapsulated in the motto “We were great, and we shall remain great,” Ethiopia’s national and international outlook has recorded notable successes over the past seven years, translating aspiration into tangible diplomatic achievement.

Prior to the national reform period, Ethiopia’s foreign policy was largely threat-oriented, closely linking international relations with realist theory of national security concerns. This approach, shaped by prolonged instability and security challenges, often generated apprehension among neighboring countries and external partners alike. The reformist government has worked deliberately to replace this posture with a cooperative and constructive international relations theoretical framework, anchored in a renewed party program and government policy.

The cooperative approach is grounded in the belief that states and international actors are willing to work together for mutual benefit, while the constructive approach emphasizes that international relations are shaped by shared ideas, norms, and practices. These perspectives are applied in a balanced and pragmatic manner, supported by active diplomacy and moderation, enabling Ethiopia to translate vision into practice.

This ideal shift has been operationalized through four strategic priorities: placing citizens at the center of foreign policy and safeguarding their dignity; prioritizing relations with neighboring countries; strengthening regional cooperation; and expanding international partnerships while deepening diaspora engagement.

At the heart of the new international relations agenda is the protection and advancement of citizens’ interests abroad. The government has taken concrete steps to assist Ethiopians facing hardship overseas, including high-profile actions by the Prime Minister himself that have renewed public confidence in the state’s responsibility toward its citizens. Institutional reforms have followed, including the establishment of a dedicated ministry to guide foreign employment policy. As a result, millions of Ethiopians have been able to migrate safely and legally for work, equipped with appropriate training and protections.

The Prime Minister’s initiative to train and place five million coders has further expanded opportunities for Ethiopian youth, enabling them to access education, training, and employment in technologically advanced sectors and countries. This initiative powerfully challenges outdated stereotypes and demonstrates Ethiopia’s growing engagement in global science and technology fields.

Diaspora engagement has also been institutionalized through the establishment of the Ethiopian Diaspora Service as an independent agency. Serving a global community estimated at five million people, the agency is strengthening ties with the homeland, consolidating fragmented associations, and ensuring fair participation and shared benefits for Ethiopian diaspora.

Another cornerstone of the new foreign policy is the prioritization of neighboring countries. Moving away from inherent fear-based perceptions, Ethiopia now approaches its neighbors as partners in development—linked by history, culture, and economic interdependence. This shift has yielded tangible outcomes, including cooperation on peace and security, free trade initiatives, port access alternatives, and regional energy integration.

Strengthening regional cooperation has likewise produced major achievements, including progress on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, enhanced engagement within IGAD, support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and active peace diplomacy. On the global stage, Ethiopia’s expanded international engagement is reflected in its BRICS membership, the hosting of major international forums, and high-level diplomatic activity at both party and government levels.

In recent months alone, Ethiopia has hosted numerous international conferences and delegations. For the first time, it was invited as a guest of honor to the G20 Summit, where Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s interventions demonstrated Ethiopia’s rising diplomatic stature. Ethiopia has also been selected to host the forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32), further underscoring its growing international credibility.

The recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi exemplified this diplomatic momentum. India’s request to elevate relations with Ethiopia to a strategic partnership signals confidence in Ethiopia’s direction and leadership. Prime Minister Modi’s address highlighted shared civilizational ties, cooperation in trade and development, and parallel experiences in state-building. His remarks before Ethiopia’s parliament affirmed confidence in the country’s democratic trajectory—an important signal as Ethiopia prepares for its s 7th national election.

Taken together, these developments testify to the growing public trust in Ethiopia’s national transformation and its renewed international posture. They reflect a collective effort to restore Ethiopia’s historical stature and to position it as a model nation in a rapidly changing world.

In sum, under the leadership of the Prosperity Party and guided by the Medemer philosophy, Ethiopia has lifted its head high on the global stage—pursuing an international relations ideology that aligns dignity, cooperation, and national ambition with the country’s proud history and promising future.

Prosperity Party

December 22, 2025