Slovenia in Ethiopia: a message of peace, partnership and a sustainable future

In her conversation with President Selassie, President Pirc Musar emphasised the importance of continued implementation of the 2022 peace agreement and expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in the Amhara and Oromia regions. She welcomed the Ethiopian authorities' efforts to promote national dialogue and prepare for transitional justice. "Peace is not a one-off event, but a process that requires courage, inclusion and responsibility. Ethiopia has an important opportunity to become a model of political stabilisation in the region," said the President.

The discussions also focused on further developing economic and development relations between the two countries. The President highlighted Slovenia's willingness to share knowledge and expertise in agriculture, digitalisation, water management, beekeeping and the pharmaceutical sector. She particularly welcomed the progress made by the Ethiopian government on economic reforms and the agreements reached with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

"The opening of Slovenia's Embassy in Addis Ababa last year was an important step towards deepening relations between our two countries and strengthening Slovenia's presence on the African continent. We see Ethiopia as an important political, development and economic partner," the President stated.

"Slovenia is committed to multilateralism, in which Ethiopia plays a vital role as the seat of the African Union and a key regional actor. We believe that, together, we can strengthen efforts for peace, human rights and sustainable development," said the President during her meeting with the leadership of the African Union. President Pirc Musar also held a separate working meeting with ambassadors of European Union Member States and representatives of the United Nations in Ethiopia.

Slovenia is also active in Ethiopia through humanitarian and development aid. The President visited the Shelter Don Bosco, where a Slovenian-supported beekeeping education project is being implemented for children living on the streets of Addis Ababa. "This is a project that brings together education, dignity and the future," she noted during her visit. Together with the Mayor of Addis Ababa, she also opened the city's first urban apiary – a Slovenian-Ethiopian pilot project promoting awareness of the importance of bees, environmental protection and food security.