Ethiopia, France Strengthen Parliamentary Relations and Cooperation

Ethiopia and France have recently announced their commitment to fortify parliamentary relations and collaborate on various areas of mutual interest. The Chairman of the Standing Committee of Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs at the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Dima Nego, hosted a delegation from France led by the Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee of National Defence and Armed Forces, Thomas Gassilloud.

During the meeting, Dima Nego provided the French delegation with an overview of the current situation in Ethiopia, emphasizing the ongoing reform programs aimed at enhancing the country’s economy and ensuring peace and security. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, focusing on joint development initiatives.

Noting Ethiopia’s landlocked status since 1993, Dima Nego underscored the critical importance of access to the Red Sea for the country’s long-term national and economic security. He emphasized Ethiopia’s strategic location, being pivotal to the region with a large population, a rich history, and significant contributions to the peace and security of neighboring countries. Dima Nego called on the French government to support Ethiopia in its efforts to secure a sea outlet, stressing the nation’s essential role in maintaining security in the Red Sea.

Addressing concerns about distorted information surrounding the recent MoU with Somaliland, Dima Nego emphasized the shared interests and the need for accurate information dissemination. He expressed the desire to strengthen bilateral relations with France, particularly through parliamentary cooperation, as a means of openly discussing various issues of common interest and enhancing people-to-people relations.

Members of the Standing Committee echoed the sentiment that Ethiopia seeks sea access only through peaceful means and a give-and-take approach. They emphasized their eagerness to strengthen ties with the French parliament.

In response, Thomas Gassilloud, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on National Defence and Armed Forces, affirmed France’s readiness to collaborate with Ethiopia across various sectors, including social, economic, and military domains. He acknowledged Ethiopia’s challenges, particularly those arising from drought and conflict, and expressed France’s commitment to working together to address them.

The longstanding and comprehensive relationship between Ethiopia and France, which has spanned 125 years, was highlighted during the discussions. Ambassador Eshete Tilahun, the Head of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, received the parliamentary delegation led by Thomas Gassilloud.

The parties recognized the need to further strengthen the multifaceted relations between the two countries, with a specific focus on expanding inter-parliamentary ties. Thomas Gassilloud reiterated France’s commitment to the importance of its relationship with Ethiopia.