Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent diplomatic mission to France and Italy has paved the way for deeper cooperation between Ethiopia and the two influential European nations. The high-level visits, which included meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Pope Leo XIV, are being hailed by Ethiopian officials as a turning point for the country’s international relations and development ambitions.
Prime Minister Abiy’s tour began in Paris, where he and his delegation engaged in bilateral talks with President Macron. According to Billene Seyoum, Head of the Press Secretariat of the Prime Minister’s Office, the discussions revisited the agreements established during Macron’s 2017 visit to Ethiopia.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration in key sectors, including the economy, investment, defence, and heritage protection.
The renewed dialogue also highlighted the importance of previous reciprocal visits in strengthening the diplomatic bond between Ethiopia and France.
A significant focus of Abiy’s Paris visit was technology and heritage conservation. The Prime Minister expressed particular interest in France’s advancements in artificial intelligence and the preservation of cultural heritage, signalling Ethiopia’s intent to learn from and partner with French institutions in these areas. This emphasis reflects Ethiopia’s broader strategy to modernize its economy and safeguard its rich historical legacy.
The diplomatic momentum continued in Rome, where Prime Minister Abiy met with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni. The leaders discussed expanding cooperation in industry, agriculture, and investment development. Both sides underscored their mutual commitment to enhancing multilateral cooperation, to transform their relationship into a strategic partnership. The talks also addressed the need for joint efforts to ensure sustainable economic growth and regional stability.
During his Italian visit, Premier Dr. Abiy held talks with Pietro Salini, CEO of the Italian construction giant We Build Group. Discussions centred on the company’s ongoing and future participation in major Ethiopian infrastructure projects, underscoring the importance of Italian expertise and investment in Ethiopia’s development agenda.
A historic highlight of the trip was Abiy’s audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The meeting symbolized Ethiopia’s longstanding ties with the Roman Catholic Church and opened new avenues for interfaith dialogue and cooperation in humanitarian and cultural initiatives.
Press Secretary Billene Seyoum emphasized that the Prime Minister’s European engagements have created a favourable environment for Ethiopia to strengthen its diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations with France and Italy. She noted that both countries have expressed their intention to elevate their cooperation with Ethiopia to a strategic level, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration across multiple sectors.
According to her, as Ethiopia seeks to accelerate its development and assert a greater role on the international stage, the outcomes of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visits to France and Italy are expected to yield tangible benefits in diplomacy, investment, defence, and tourism. The strengthened partnerships mark a significant step forward in Ethiopia’s efforts to foster sustainable growth and regional influence, she disclosed.