Canada–Ethiopia relations are foreign relations between Canada and Ethiopia. Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1956. Canada opened an embassy in Addis Ababa in 1957; although Ethiopia opened an embassy in Ottawa in 1962, it was closed the following year due to financial constraints and was not re-opened until 1989. In 2021, Ethiopia closed its embassy in Ottawa again due to reshuffling and reorganization. In 2022, Ethiopia reopened its embassy in Ottawa.
The Minister of Defence visited Ethiopia in 2017 and met with Ethiopian officials to discuss peace and security issues in the region. The two countries also share cooperation in various multilateral forums, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the World Trade Organization.
Economic relations between Canada and Ethiopia have also been developing. Canadian companies have been involved in various sectors in Ethiopia, including mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development. In recent years, there has been an increase in trade between the two countries, with a focus on agricultural products, machinery, and equipment. Canada has provided technical assistance and expertise to support Ethiopia's economic development and growth.
In the area of education, Canada has been involved in supporting educational initiatives in Ethiopia, including providing scholarships for Ethiopian students to study in Canada. There have also been partnerships between Canadian and Ethiopian universities and academic institutions to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration in research and education.
Cultural exchange between the two countries has also been promoted through various initiatives, including artistic and cultural events, as well as businesses in music, literature, and film. These initiatives have helped to foster greater understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures.
Despite the positive aspects of the relationship, challenges have also arisen. Issues such as human rights, governance, and democracy have been points of concern for Canada in its relations with Ethiopia. Canada has expressed its support for human rights and democratic government in Ethiopia and has raised concerns about human rights abuses and political freedoms.
A long history of diplomatic ties, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange has marked the relations between Canada and Ethiopia. While there have been challenges, both countries have shown a commitment to strengthening their ties and working together in various areas of mutual interest. As both countries continue to evolve, their partnership will likely continue to grow and diversify in the years to come.
Canada Prime Minister's visit to Ethiopia.
February 10, 2020
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded a successful visit to Ethiopia. Africa’s young and fast-growing population, coupled with its rapid economic growth and focus on climate action, makes countries in the region natural partners for Canada.
The visit focused on how Canada, Ethiopia, and African countries can partner in our shared commitment to democracy, women’s empowerment and gender equality, fighting climate change, and economic growth that benefits everyone.
While meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Sahle-Work Zewde, Prime Minister Trudeau discussed how the two governments can work more closely together to advance democracy and gender equality, find innovative solutions to climate change, and increase trade and investment between our two countries. Canada believes that advancing these shared priorities helps both countries and regions grow.
To strengthen our economic partnerships, the Prime Minister was joined by a Canadian trade delegation and the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion, and International Trade, Mary Ng. Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Ng committed to growing trade and investment for businesses in both countries and developing better access to each other’s markets. The Prime Minister was also joined by Masai Ujiri, who has helped advance Canada’s interests on the continent through his longstanding relationships in Africa and his work to empower youth by promoting sport with his organization Giants of Africa.
In addition to making significant investments to fight climate change and promote gender equality, Canada will provide funding for the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia to empower voters and candidates and strengthen democracy. Canada also welcomed Ethiopia as a member of Canada’s Military Training Cooperation Program, which delivers military training to member countries and helps build their security capacity.
The visit to Ethiopia coincided with the 33rd African Union (AU) Summit. As the first Canadian Prime Minister to attend AU Summit events, Prime Minister Trudeau met with other world leaders to explore how Canada can help advance their shared vision for a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent. This work is significant to Canada as Chair of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission in 2020.
During these events, Prime Minister Trudeau announced support for the African Union Commission's efforts to advance gender equality. Through investments, Canada will help increase economic opportunities and address barriers for 150,000 women in East Africa. Other investments will help provide leadership training to 200 youth leaders and support for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses in Ethiopia, focusing on those owned by young people and women. When women around the world succeed, so does our global economy.
The Prime Minister attended events focused on how empowering women and girls is critical to addressing many other issues, including poverty and inequality. He announced funding to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls and to combat sexual and gender-based violence.
Prime Minister Trudeau also underlined how building an economy that works for everyone depends on our ability to adapt to and combat climate change. He announced that Canada will co-host the first-ever Canada-Africa Clean Growth Symposium in Addis Ababa in 2021. The symposium will explore innovative ways to grow our economies while reducing emissions and building resilience to a changing climate.
While participating on a panel about the potential of Africa’s blue economy, which focuses on using ocean resources to unlock economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty, the Prime Minister highlighted how Canada is working with others to build a more sustainable ocean economy at home and abroad. This work builds on the leadership Canada demonstrated as the 2018 G7 Presidency and as co-host of the 2018 Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Kenya. Canada believes that countries must work together to protect coasts and coastal communities, support sustainable oceans and fisheries, and clear up ocean plastic waste to create economic growth.
Throughout the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau positioned Canada as an essential partner for Ethiopia and Africa. He demonstrated Canada’s readiness to work with the continent to address global challenges and build a better, more secure, and more prosperous future for Canadians and Africans.
https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/02/10/prime-minister-concludes-productive-visit-ethiopia-promote#:~:text=The%20visit%20to%20Ethiopia%20coincided,%2C%20prosperous%2C%20and%20peaceful%20continent.
Canada's interest in Ethiopia is multifaceted and driven by a commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, regional peace, sustainable development, and fostering trade relations. The bilateral relationship between Canada and Ethiopia is characterized by an open political dialogue that addresses key issues of mutual concern and interest.
ReplyDeleteOne of the primary pillars of Canada's engagement with Ethiopia is the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights. Canada advocates for the respect of fundamental rights and freedoms in Ethiopia, emphasizing the importance of inclusive governance and political pluralism. The Canadian government works to support efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, promote good governance, and protect the rights of all Ethiopians.
In addition to democracy and human rights, Canada is also focused on advancing regional peace and security in Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa region. The ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia, which erupted in November 2020, has raised significant concerns for Canada. The conflict has led to devastating human rights abuses and humanitarian impacts, prompting Canada to call for a durable political resolution to the crisis. Canada has also emphasized the need for increased and sustained humanitarian access, the protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas, and accountability for human rights violations and abuses.
Furthermore, Canada's engagement with Ethiopia includes a strong emphasis on sustainable development. Canada supports initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability in Ethiopia. Through development assistance programs and partnerships, Canada works to address key development challenges and promote inclusive and sustainable growth in Ethiopia.
Trade is another important aspect of the Canada-Ethiopia relationship. Both countries seek to enhance trade and economic cooperation for mutual benefit. Canada aims to promote trade and investment opportunities in Ethiopia, as well as to support the growth of Ethiopian exports to Canadian markets.
Overall, Canada's interest in Ethiopia is guided by a commitment to promoting shared values of democracy, human rights, peace, and sustainable development. As Ethiopia faces ongoing challenges, including the conflict in the north, Canada remains actively engaged in efforts to support a peaceful resolution, protect human rights, and advance the well-being of the Ethiopian people.