Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Leads Delegation to Riyadh for Inaugural Saudi-Africa Summit

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by a high-level delegation, has arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to partake in the first Saudi-Africa Summit. The summit, aimed at fostering stronger ties between Saudi Arabia and African nations, is anticipated to pave the way for enhanced cooperation in various sectors.

The delegation, comprising key ministers and officials, is set to engage in a series of discussions and negotiations over the coming days.
Upon arrival, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was warmly welcomed by Saudi officials, symbolizing the importance attached to this inaugural summit.
The Saudi-Africa Summit, themed “Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Development,” underscores the commitment of both regions to forge collaborative efforts in areas such as trade, investment, security, and cultural exchange.
The summit is expected to serve as a platform for dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities, fostering a more robust and interconnected relationship between Saudi Arabia and African nations.
The Saudi-Africa Summit is seen as a strategic move to diversify partnerships for both regions, as the world witnesses evolving geopolitical dynamics.
In recent times, the diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia has faced challenges, particularly due to issues surrounding the deportation of illegal African immigrants by Saudi Arabia.
Ethiopia successfully negotiated extensions for the deportation deadline, ensuring the safe return of its citizens.
Despite obtaining exit visas and organizing repatriation flights, the Ethiopian government remains concerned about the hesitancy of some individuals to utilize the amnesty periods. Additionally, the employment of domestic helpers from Africa and Asia in affluent Middle Eastern countries has often been marred by complaints of mistreatment by the workers.