Happy New Year!

We are immensely proud that Ethio-British diplomatic relations have existed for over 115 years. Association between our two countries long pre-dates this period.

Building on this history, in 2018 the Embassy will seek to strengthen the excellent relations Ethiopia and the United Kingdom continue to enjoy in all domains – diplomatic, political, economic, social, cultural and educational.

Ethiopia deeply appreciates the extensive contribution the people and government of the United Kingdom have made, and continue to make, to Ethiopia’s development endeavours.

Ethiopia has undergone a massive transformation in recent years, broadening the political landscape and further embedding the multi-party political system by involving opposition parties more fully in the political process.

Vast economic growth has helped reduce poverty to 20% in last 15-20 years. The past year has allowed us to sustain our continued growth rate, making Ethiopia one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. And the economy will continue to grow as more industrial parks are built and hundreds of thousands of additional jobs are created. The recent full commencement of services on the Addis-Djibouti Railway will enhance the flow of foreign direct investment into Ethiopia and facilitate exports. These developments will further transform the social fabric of our society and encourage peaceful coexistence both within Ethiopia and beyond.

At this New Year, my wife, Abebetch Zeleke Aweke, and all Embassy staff, join me in wishing the people and government of the United Kingdom our heart-felt best wishes for the year ahead.