It is important to both of us for Europe to swiftly show a presence in Ethiopia and offer a close partnership following the Nairobi and Pretoria peace agreements. I am therefore delighted that our first joint visit at the very beginning of this year is taking us to Ethiopia.

While we are there, we aim to discuss how Germany, France and the European Union can support Ethiopia on the path that it began in 2018 towards peace, democracy and sustainable development for all Ethiopians. We know from experience that the path to peace rarely runs smooth and that it is essential to address human rights violations in order to enable reconciliation.

We also want to continue strengthening the partnership between the African Union and Europe. Our continents are neighbours. What happens in Africa affects Europe. What preoccupies Europe often has a direct impact on the African continent. This can be seen in the rocketing food prices caused by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It can also be seen in the effects of the climate crisis, which we will only bring under control by working together, and it can be seen in the expansion of our economic ties, something for which the African Continental Free Trade Area offers great potential.

I am delighted to be visiting Ethiopia together with my counterpart and friend Annalena Baerbock. Our aim is to support the peace process, reconstruction and the fight against impunity.

Our talks will also focus on Africa’s role in global governance and on the concerted efforts by the European Union and the African Union to combat the devastating effects of the war in Ukraine for food security on the continent.