Ethiopia and the UAE: Strengthening Cooperation Amidst Regional Tensions

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali arrived in the United Arab Emirates on an official working visit, described by observers as a surprise given the volatile situation in the region. His delegation included Finance Minister Ahmed Shidde, Peace Minister Mohammed Idris, Director of the Information and Security Service Redwan Hussein, and Deputy Chairman of the ruling party, Adam Farah.

Abiy Ahmed’s visit to the UAE followed a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which, according to the US State Department, they discussed “regional stability, cooperation in combating terrorism, economic prosperity, and building a foundation for long-term security in the Horn of Africa.”

He was received at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi by UAE Minister of Justice Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, along with the Chairman of the Presidential Protocol and Strategic Narrative Authority, Mohammed Abdullah Al Junaibi.

This visit comes within the framework of the close relations between the two countries, which have witnessed remarkable development in recent years across various political, economic, and developmental fields. During the visit, the Ethiopian Prime Minister met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where they discussed ways to enhance cooperation and joint action between the two countries. The meeting addressed the development of economic, trade, and development relations, as well as exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

The two sides also discussed developments in the Middle East in light of the recent military escalation and the potential repercussions of these developments on regional and international security and stability.

In this context, the Ethiopian Prime Minister condemned the attacks targeting the UAE and affirmed his country’s full solidarity with Abu Dhabi.

He noted that the Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and several other countries in the region constitute a clear violation of state sovereignty and international law, and affirmed Ethiopia’s support for the measures taken by the UAE to protect its security, territorial integrity, and citizens.

For his part, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his gratitude for Ethiopia’s supportive stance and affirmed the UAE’s appreciation for this solidarity in light of the current regional circumstances. Abiy Ahmed’s visit is particularly significant as he is the first foreign official to visit the UAE since the recent military escalation in the region following the US-Israeli strikes targeting sites inside Iran and the subsequent Iranian response of launching missiles and drones at US bases and interests in the region.

The visit also came after a phone call between the Ethiopian Prime Minister and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, raising questions about the nature of diplomatic coordination amidst the rapidly evolving regional developments.

On the economic front, relations between the two countries have witnessed rapid growth in recent years, with non-oil trade between the UAE and Ethiopia exceeding $1.4 billion annually.

Trade between the two countries has more than sevenfold over the past decade, making the UAE one of Ethiopia’s most important trading partners globally. Ethiopia’s main exports to the UAE market include gold, coffee, and meat, while the UAE exports a wide range of industrial products and manufactured goods to Ethiopia.

The UAE plays a crucial role in supporting economic development in Ethiopia, with Emirati investments and aid exceeding $5 billion. These investments are spread across multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals, aluminum, food processing, chemicals, real estate, logistics, and ports.

For his part, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that during his visit to the United Arab Emirates, he discussed the “deep-rooted partnership” between the two countries, expanding cooperation, and regional developments.

Abiy Ahmed posted photos on his X platform of his meeting with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, one of which showed the UAE President driving with Abiy Ahmed in the passenger seat.

The Ethiopian Prime Minister described relations with the UAE as “a firm brotherhood and a deep-rooted partnership built on trust,” adding: “During my official visit to the United Arab Emirates, I had the honor of meeting Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, and our discussions focused on strengthening the long-standing partnership between Ethiopia and the UAE, expanding cooperation, and supporting regional stability.”

Abiy Ahmed expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and affirmed the mutual commitment to deepening the bonds of friendship between the two countries. Abiy Ahmed’s visit to the UAE is not a routine visit, but rather a political message confirming that the UAE has become a key partner for Ethiopia in the current phase, and that Abu Dhabi seeks to solidify its position as an influential regional power in Africa and the Middle East.

According to analysts, the two sides are expected to have discussed preparations for a broad regional initiative between them, especially given their close relations with Israel. Ethiopia may contribute to helping the UAE counter Iranian attacks, and in return, it will receive additional support for its regional ambitions, whether regarding Sudan (where there are indications of a possible opening of a second front against the Sudanese government from Ethiopian territory, given its confirmed support for the Rapid Support Forces, which are fighting the government with Emirati funding) or the contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt.