Speech by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the German Embassy in Addis Ababa

Who paid the first official state visit to the Federal Republic of Germany after the Second World War? This question was for many years part of the selection process for young German diplomats. All candidates who thought it was the French President Charles de Gaulle, a US president or the British Queen were mistaken.

It was the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie who visited Germany for six days in November 1954. Only five years after the founding of my country, the Federal Republic. A glance at the programme booklet - which can still be found in the archives of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin - shows how carefully the monarch's visit was prepared. Upon his arrival in Bonn, the Emperor was greeted by former Federal Chancellor Adenauer - besides also the first Foreign Minister. During his visit, he received an honorary doctorate, saw the opera "The Marriage of Figaro," and visited the Cologne Cathedral and the port of Hamburg.

Unsurprisingly, the focus of this state visit was on economic relations, and for Germany, also on finding its way back onto the international stage. Haile Selassie was interested in selling Ethiopian coffee to Germany. At the same time, he wanted to import German technology and medical equipment to his country.

But Haile Selassie was not only the first official state visitor in Germany. He also made Ethiopia a founding member of the United Nations - long before Germany joined. And he played a key role in founding the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor of the African Union. Securing Addis Ababa as the continent's political and diplomatic centre - which it is still today.

Ladies and gentlemen, we live and work in very uncertain times - in Ethiopia and Germany, as well as in Africa and Europe. We are facing a multitude of challenges: From the eroding respect for international law to the global security risk arising from terrorism. From challenges posed by irregular migration to disinformation campaigns. From the ever more visible impacts of climate change to the challenges and opportunities arising from the current technological revolution.

I am convinced that in these challenging times, our joint answer must be an investment in our partnership. Because both in Ethiopia and in Germany, in Africa and Europe, we are only strong, we are only able to move forward, if we stand together.

As Africa's second most populous country and seat of the African Union, Ethiopia is one of Germany's most important African partners. Our partnership is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a strong commitment to exchange between our societies.

To promote language learning, we have a branch of the Goethe-Institute and a German Embassy School in Addis Ababa. Through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), thousands of Ethiopian students have pursued higher education in Germany, also creating a strong network of alumni. And that is not all: Archaeologists from the German Archaeological Institute are working in Yeha, in Tigray alongside their Ethiopian colleagues to help preserve your country's rich heritage - 120 years after the famous German Aksum expedition!

Ladies and gentlemen, in addition to our vital cultural exchange, we share further interests.

Namely security, development and the preservation of multilateralism.

On the security side of things, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is an ongoing violation of the most fundamental norms of the UN Charter. Norms that constitute the basis of our peaceful coexistence. Norms that need to be protected - in our shared interest. Germany is therefore supporting Ukrainian defence - politically, diplomatically, and also economically.

At the same time, I am very well aware that the Sudan - one of your neighbouring countries - is facing a brutal war for more than thousand days and the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Germany wants to promote peace and further advance the mediation efforts in the Quad and Quint process. This is why we are organizing an international conference on Sudan April 15^th in Berlin. The Horn of Africa region has also been destabilised by extremist violence and climate change, with many people fleeing - also to Ethiopia.

In this challenging situation, Ethiopia and the AU are committed to securing peace and security in Africa. Ethiopia's contribution as troop deployer, for example to AUSSOM, is indispensable for regional stabilisation and for fighting terrorism. I commend Ethiopia for its support.

Ladies and gentlemen, crossing Addis Ababa today, I had the chance to see the city's impressive economic development for myself. My delegation and I saw skyscrapers, green parks and hustle and bustle everywhere. Wherever you look, you see modernisation happening in real time. You can sense that Ethiopia is on the path towards a market-based liberal economy - one that is competitive globally.

This morning, I also visited the Cargo Terminal at the current Bole International Airport, built by a German company with export guarantees from KfW IPEX. I am confident that the construction of the new airport - set to become one of the largest airports in the world - will lead to further cooperation between German and Ethiopian companies.

In addition, the creation of a pan-African free trade area is making Ethiopia an increasingly attractive market. Let us work together to further strengthen our economic cooperation! Because it is in our mutual interest.

Ladies and gentlemen, Ethiopian infrastructure projects are changing rapidly. So is the global situation. We are witnessing crises and conflicts around the world. Long-established certainties are eroding. Trust in multilateralism and the rules-based international order is declining. The trend of withdrawal from the UN is concerning.

However, Ethiopia and Germany, just like the African Union and the European Union are firmly convinced that global issues can only be solved globally. We are convinced, that none of us can solve these problems alone. That multilateral cooperation matters. That tackling climate change requires our collective commitment, which Ethiopia is displaying by hosting COP 32 in 2027. That when shaping the digital transformation or preventing the proliferation of weapons we must work together. That we need to protect the international order based on international law as a foundation of international relations.

But the truth is: the UN is not perfect. But at this time of unprecedented global upheaval, it is more relevant than ever, however. Germany wants to assume a special responsibility for peace and security at global scale. That is why we are running for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council 2027 / 28. And why we support Africa's call for two permanent African seats. When decisions are made about Africa, Africa must be at the table.

Ladies and gentlemen, at the narrowest point, Europe and Africa are less than 14 kilometers apart. Both of our continents share access to the Mediterranean Sea, which has been the hub for economic and cultural links for centuries. This close geographical proximity reminds us of a fundamental truth: What happens on one continent directly affects the other.

Therefore, we are meeting today - in these challenging times - to show that what matters is not just geographical proximity, but the strength of our ties and the determination to work together. Let's unlock further potential in our bilateral relationship. Be it in economic cooperation, in people-to-people exchange, innovation or legal migration. Now - and over the next 120 years.

Thank you.