Ethiopia's Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Fitsum Assefa, held productive talks with Antii Karhunen, Director of Sustainable Finance at the European Union's Directorate-General for International Partnerships (INTPA). The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 4th International Finance for Development Conference preparatory committee meeting in Addis Ababa.
During their discussion, Minister Fitsum briefed the EU official on Ethiopia's efforts to strengthen its relationship with the European Union. She highlighted the steps taken by the Ethiopian government to ensure accountability for human rights violations following the Pretoria Peace Agreement. The Minister noted that the legal framework for the transitional justice system is nearing completion and emphasized the crucial role of the newly established National Dialogue Commission in fostering lasting peace in the country.
Dr. Fitsum also touched upon the successes achieved in enhancing Ethiopia's economic competitiveness and investment attractiveness through economic reforms. However, she acknowledged that some reform efforts had been hindered by challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, internal conflicts, the Ukraine war, and climate-related issues like drought in eastern and southeastern Ethiopia.
In a significant development, Director Karhunen reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Ethiopia's economic reforms, green transition, and participation in the Global Gateway Strategy. He mentioned the allocation of 650 million euros to Ethiopia under the EU's Multiannual Indicative Programme as part of this support.
The EU official also expressed condolences on behalf of the European Union for the loss of life caused by the recent landslide in Gofa Zone. He informed me that the EU Commission is working to provide support through a team collaborating with Ethiopia's Federal Disaster Risk Management Commission.
This meeting underscores the ongoing dialogue between Ethiopia and the European Union on matters of mutual interest and cooperation, despite recent challenges.