Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, held high-level talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Wednesday during his first official visit to Israel.
The visit comes just two days after Minister Timothewos met with Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia, Avraham Neguise, in Addis Ababa. His trip to Jerusalem marks a step toward deepening diplomatic and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Following a private discussion, the two ministers convened a broader bilateral meeting focusing on enhancing ties across various sectors. Speaking to the media afterward, Minister Sa’ar described the meeting as part of a broader Israeli initiative to strengthen relations with African countries, with Ethiopia playing a key role.
“This is the first visit under an initiative I am leading to expand ties with African nations,” Sa’ar stated. “Strengthening relations with these countries is one of our strategic goals for 2025, and Ethiopia has a central role in this region.”
The Israeli foreign minister also emphasized the mutual threat posed by terrorism, particularly from groups like Al-Shabaab and the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen. He noted that Ethiopia’s role in combating Al-Shabaab is vital for the stability of the Horn of Africa.
“The Houthis have launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israeli civilians since October 7 and are threatening international shipping routes in the Red Sea,” Sa’ar said. “They are a threat not only to Israel but also to Africa and the global order.”
Foreign Minister Sa’ar announced that he will soon pay a reciprocal visit to Ethiopia, signaling a continued effort to reinforce bilateral cooperation.
The meeting underscores both countries’ shared commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional stability while advancing economic and political ties.
