Indonesia and Ethiopia are looking to strengthen their economic partnership and expand interaction within the BRICS framework, following a meeting between Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono and Ethiopian Ambassador to Indonesia Fekadu Beyene Aleka. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation, Antara News Agency reported.
During the meeting, Minister Sugiono outlined Indonesia’s national priorities, which include poverty alleviation through the improved utilisation of resources. He noted the significant potential for developing trade and economic ties with Ethiopia and expressed Indonesia’s readiness to increase exports of competitive goods, primarily in the agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors.
Sugiono said the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$98 million in 2024, marking a 55 per cent increase year-on-year. He added that Indonesian companies are already operating in Ethiopia in the household chemicals, food, and textiles sectors.
The discussion also focused on the prospects of signing a bilateral investment treaty, as well as enhancing food and energy security. The development of coconut, sugar cane, and seaweed production was noted as a priority. Ambassador Aleka also expressed Ethiopia’s interest in mastering Indonesian technologies for sugar cane cultivation.
The two sides agreed to intensify cooperation in the fields of education, science, and training. They also committed to resuming the work of the joint commission on bilateral cooperation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Sugiono invited Ethiopia to participate more actively in joint initiatives within the BRICS group of nations.
