Ethiopia and Canada have engaged in renewed diplomatic discussions aimed at reinforcing their bilateral relationship and tackling regional security concerns. Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timotheos met on Tuesday with Joshua Tabah, Canada’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, and Ben Marc Diendéré, the Special Envoy to the African Union. The meeting underscored the historical ties between the two nations and explored opportunities for further cooperation on a range of issues.
Minister Timotheos emphasized the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and Canada, noting that the strong foundations of their diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations offer potential for further growth. “The longstanding and historical ties between Ethiopia and Canada offer ample opportunities to further strengthen the relationship,” he stated during the talks.
Ambassador Tabah expressed Canada’s commitment to deepening its engagement with Ethiopia, citing a recent high-level Canadian delegation visit to Addis Ababa as evidence of this intention. He also highlighted the multifaceted nature of the two nations’ collaboration, ranging from government-to-government cooperation to people-to-people connections. “Canada is keen to strengthen its bilateral ties with Ethiopia,” he remarked, affirming the strategic importance of this partnership.
The discussions also addressed critical national and regional matters, particularly focusing on the peace and security situation in Ethiopia. Minister Timotheos briefed the Canadian diplomats on the progress of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, which brought an end to the brutal two-year conflict between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The peace deal, brokered by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, is seen as a crucial step in stabilizing Ethiopia, despite ongoing tensions in the Tigray region and concerns about renewed violence.
In light of these developments, Canada recently issued a travel advisory, cautioning its citizens to avoid non-essential travel outside Addis Ababa, citing escalating tensions in northern Ethiopia. Despite these challenges, both sides have expressed optimism about the future of their relationship, with trade and diplomatic exchanges remaining key areas of focus.
Bilateral trade between Ethiopia and Canada remains modest, with annual exchanges totaling less than $200 million in 2021, primarily driven by Ethiopian coffee exports. Ethiopian Airlines continues to facilitate direct flights between Addis Ababa and Toronto, underscoring the connectivity between the two countries.
As Ethiopia continues its recovery from the recent conflict, discussions with international partners like Canada are seen as vital in ensuring lasting peace and promoting regional stability. Both nations are hopeful that their renewed collaboration will pave the way for greater economic opportunities and diplomatic engagement in the coming years.
