The sixth session of the Ethiopia-Saudi Joint Committee convenes in Riyadh

Addis Ababa, May 22, 2024 (FBC) – The 6th session of the Ethiopia-Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Committee was held from May 21 to 22 in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The high-level meeting aimed to further deepen the longstanding historical relations between the two nations.

In his opening remarks, the Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, highlighted the strong ties between Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, noting that the two countries have signed numerous memoranda of understanding to collaborate across various sectors. The Minister expressed confidence that the current Joint Committee meeting would provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen the bilateral partnership even further.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdurrahman Al-Alfadeli, stated that the Kingdom is keen to work closely with Ethiopia on developing the country’s livestock industry and enhancing Saudi private sector investment and trade engagement.

Prior to the Joint Ministerial Committee session, the technical committees of the two nations held detailed consultations and reached a consensus on a range of political, security, economic and social issues.

At the conclusion of the sixth meeting, the two sides signed a landmark agreement to expand cooperation in various domains, including export-import trade, investment, real estate, animal resources, agriculture and agro-processing, infrastructure, mining, peace and security, as well as alternative energy and human resource development. The agreement is expected to further cement the longstanding ties between Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, benefiting both governments and private sector stakeholders.