Core principles of Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy – Ethiopia-Saudi Arabia relations
Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia have had long standing relations for many centuries both in terms of business relations and people-to-people contacts. Cultural bonds are deep-rooted, strong and ancient. Indeed, they go back to the time of the Prophet when he told his family and followers to take refuge in Ethiopia when threatened by persecution in Mecca. In return the Prophet instructed his followers not to touch Abyssinians, Ethiopians today, except in self-defence. Islam, of course, was born in Saudi Arabia but it was in Ethiopia that its adherents were first allowed to practice it freely. There are a number of similar episodes detailed in the annals of Islamic and Ethiopian tradition. They have certainly contributed to the strengthening of relations between the two peoples.
Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia opened formal diplomatic relations in 1948, and while they have fluctuated from time to time, notably when Ethiopia was under the military dictatorship of the Derg, relations have steadily progressed since 1991. In its Foreign Affairs and National Security Policy Strategy Document, the EPRDF government has clearly stated “The Middle East is a region that significantly influences our security and economic development in a substantial way”. Ethiopia, in fact, attaches special importance to Saudi Arabia in particular as well as to the Middle East in general.
There have been a number of exchanges of visits over the years by high level government officials between Ethiopia and the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and a number of agreements have been signed to enhance relations. There is a Joint Ministerial Commission that is meant to meet annually to review the progress in all areas of cooperation. The Commission also has the task of suggesting new areas for cooperation and of working towards their implementation.
Trade relations have been on the rise. At present the total volume of trade stands at just over 12 billion birr but this is expected to increase significantly in both quantity and quality. Ethiopia and Saudi Arabian production is compatible rather than competitive. The geographic proximity is an encouraging factor. This has also been a factor in the increasing number of Saudi tourists visiting Ethiopia. Equally, more could be done to encourage tourism in both countries. Ethiopia certainly has a great deal to offer besides the hospitality of its people. Many Ethiopians live and work in Saudi Arabia, and many more travel to Saudi Arabia for the Haj every year. This will, of course, continue and help to further enhance relations.
Investment is a growing area of cooperation, and a growing number of Saudi investors are engaged in different sectors in Ethiopia with a total of 369 million dollars currently involved. The largest investor is Sheikh Mohamed Al-Amoudi, the owner of Midroc, which has interests in hotels and tourism, construction, mining, agriculture, manufacturing and education. In all there are some 69 companies, in addition to those of Sheikh Al-Amoudi. Investment is growing but taking into account the long-standing relations and strong cultural ties between the two countries, considerably more investment should be expected.
In fact, Saudi Arabia’s contribution to economic development projects in Ethiopia is certainly encouraging. Its involvement in infrastructural development for example is certainly appreciated as this is a key to overall development, economically, socially and politically. Infrastructure is a major element in the Growth and Transformation Plan. Saudi Arabia has also been of assistance in getting development support from various multi-lateral organisations including the Kuwait Fund, OPEC and BADEA.
Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia share interests in the security of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, which links rather than divides Africa and the Middle East. Ethiopia believes there are many areas of bilateral interest where cooperation should be continued and expanded including the fight against terrorism, control of human trafficking, prevention of drug traffic and other illegal activity. The need to cooperate on regional issues, including the situation in Somalia, remains of paramount importance. Equally, both countries need to do more to enhance their contacts. Provided there is common understanding, and it is based on friendship and cooperation, on mutual benefit, there are no limits to any diversification of their relationship.