Political consultations between Slovenia and Ethiopia on enhancing cooperation

5. 6. 2025

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

On the sidelines of the official visit of Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar to Ethiopia, State Secretary Marko Štucin held political consultations with the Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadera Abera, in Addis Ababa. During the meeting, they called for closer bilateral relations and stronger economic and development cooperation.

Moška sedita in pijeta kavo — State Secretary Marko Štucin with State Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadera Abera in Addis Ababa | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

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These were the fourth political consultations between the two countries, demonstrating the strengthening of bilateral relations in recent years, primarily due to the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Addis Ababa and the intensive campaign for Slovenia's non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Ethiopia's economy, the third largest in sub-Saharan Africa, has grown and strengthened rapidly in recent years, partly due to rapid population growth and inflows of foreign direct investment. Ethiopia is also a founding member of the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the African Union and many NGOs.

The consultations focused on strengthening economic and development cooperation. Over the past five years, Slovenia has provided Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa with 650,000 euros in aid, the majority of which has been dedicated to addressing food security. Slovenia's current development projects focus on bee diplomacy and empowering vulnerable groups. There is significant scope for enhancing development partnerships in areas such as gender (women, peace and security), post-conflict reconstruction, water management and demining.

In regard strengthening economic ties, there are numerous opportunities to enhance cooperation between the two countries. The Slovenian and Ethiopian interlocutors identified the following sectors as having potential for cooperation: agriculture, pharmaceuticals, education, e-government, renewable energy, IT and AI. Ethiopia is particularly interested in acquiring Slovenian knowledge and experience in these areas.

Given Ethiopia's historical role as a key security guarantor in the wider Horn of Africa region, the discussions also touched on the current security situation both in the region and worldwide.