By Yohannes Lijalem
AMECO AFRICA ,October 2026 — Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and his Ethiopian counterpart, Gedion Timothewos, have emphasized a shared commitment to regional stability, building on high-level diplomatic exchanges that include a state visit to Addis Ababa by Israeli President Isaac Herzog in February 2026.
The ministerial talks, followed by broader state engagements, underscore an ongoing strategic relationship between Jerusalem and Addis Ababa. Covering areas from security to agricultural cooperation, the discussions highlighted the importance of regional peace and state stability in the Horn of Africa.
Ministerial Dialogue and Regional Security
The diplomatic engagement kicked off with a dialogue between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, focusing closely on bilateral relations and regional developments.
Reflecting on the conversation, Foreign Minister Sa’ar highlighted the shared focus on security:
“I spoke with my friend, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, about developments in Ethiopia. We discussed the importance of Ethiopia’s unity and stability, and our shared interest in preserving peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.”
Sa’ar added regarding the broader bilateral relationship:
“Israel greatly values its longstanding close friendship with Ethiopia and looks forward to further strengthening the ties between our countries.”
President Herzog’s Visit to Addis Ababa
The ministerial communications follow President Isaac Herzog’s official visit to Ethiopia, which concluded on February 26, 2026. During the trip, President Herzog met with Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and other senior government officials.
Discussions during the presidential visit centered on cooperative frameworks across several fields, including technological innovation, agriculture, public health, and security.
In addition to formal political meetings, President Herzog toured landmark cultural and historical sites in Addis Ababa, including the National Palace, the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, and the Science Museum, alongside meetings with representatives of the local Jewish community.
Background: Decades of Strategic Ties
Relations between Israel and Ethiopia span decades of deep diplomatic, cultural, and economic interaction.
Over recent years, both nations have maintained active engagement across multiple sectors—most notably development cooperation, agriculture, and security—while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics within the Horn of Africa.
