In celebrating the United Nations Day, Ambassador Yoseph Kassaye reaffirmed the commitment of Ethiopia to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the need to stand firm in the collective resolve to strengthen the United Nations to make the world a better place to live in for current and future generations.

The Tana Forum’s Special Envoys’ Dialogue officially commenced today in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, bringing together high-level diplomats and regional leaders to discuss the evolving geopolitics of the Horn of Africa and the growing security challenges in the Red Sea. In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Redwan Huseen, Director General of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, underscored that the region’s vast economic potential and critical maritime trade routes are increasingly threatened by growing militarization, rivalries among foreign powers, and renewed attacks on commercial shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. He emphasized that Red Sea security cannot be ensured by a few states alone, but requires urgent and collective cooperation among regional states and reliable global partners. As an anchor state entirely dependent on the Red Sea for its maritime trade, Ethiopia has a vital responsibility to safeguard its commercial shipping and avert emerging security threats, he added. Following the opening remarks, high-level panel discussions are underway under the theme “Regional Security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.” Moderated by Paul-Simon Handy, Regional Director for East Africa and Representative to the African Union, the panel brought together prominent African and international envoys to discuss the region’s evolving geopolitical dynamics. The speakers included Getachew Reda, Minister Advisor on East African Affairs; Guang Cong, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa; Frédéric Clavier, French Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa; Ambassador Heiko Nitzschke, Germany’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa; and Pekka Haavisto, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Sudan. The 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa is being held under the theme “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation,” bringing together regional and international stakeholders to address Africa’s evolving security landscape.

A Pre-Tana Forum Dialogue was held today in Bahir Dar under the theme “Navigating a Changing World: The Role of Diplomacy and Dialogue in Advancing Peace and Security in Africa.” The event emphasized the importance of African agency, dialogue and diplomacy in addressing the continent’s peace and security challenges. Delivering opening remarks on behalf of Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, Chief of Staff Adam Tesfaye highlighted the importance of dialogue amid rapid geopolitical shifts, global fragmentation and uncertainty. He noted that navigating the changing international landscape requires Africa to champion its own solutions, reinforce African agency and rely on durable instruments such as diplomacy, dialogue and mutual trust. Mr. Adam also emphasized the interconnection between economic sovereignty, development and peace and security, noting that lasting peace and stability require African countries to build economic resilience through regional integration, industrialization and trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He further underscored the importance of platforms such as the Tana Forum in fostering strategic dialogue, strengthening trust, developing a shared understanding and advancing coordinated, African-led approaches to addressing the continent’s peace and security challenges. Highlighting Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to collective security and peaceful coexistence, he reaffirmed that dialogue remains the only viable path to durable peace and security. The dialogue brought together diplomats, scholars and other stakeholders to assess changing global and regional dynamics, explore the role of preventive diplomacy and inclusive dialogue, and discuss the contribution of platforms such as the Tana Forum to advancing practical approaches to peace and security in Africa. The Pre-Tana Forum Dialogue precedes the 12th edition of the Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, scheduled to take place from 23 to 25 October 2026 in Bahir Dar under the theme “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation.”

H.E. Ambassador Hadera Abera and H.E. Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye have been reappointed as State Ministers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Congratulations!

H.E. Gedion Timothewos has been reappointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Congratulations!

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, arrived in Addis Ababa this evening for a three-day working visit to Ethiopia. Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Vice President Shettima was warmly received by Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos. During his stay, Vice President Shettima and his delegation are expected to hold discussions with senior Ethiopian government officials and visit key institutions as part of an experience-sharing program. The visit provides an opportunity for Ethiopia and Nigeria to exchange experiences and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.