Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his delegation visited the headquarters of the e-commerce giant Alibaba, in Hangzhou, China. Following up on their meeting earlier this year in Davos, Switzerland, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Alibaba Group Chairman Jack Ma shared that this visit is a reflection of a friendship geared towards supporting Ethiopia’s development. Jack Ma expressed he has been inspired by the reforms that Ethiopia has been undergoing, confirming that Ethiopia is now a key strategic partner which he will visit this year.

Communist Party Secretary of Zhèjiāng province H.E. Che Jun welcomed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his delegation on the Prime Minister’s first visit to the coastal province of Eastern China. Private enterprises from the province are currently operating in Ethiopia, and Prime Minister Abiy encouraged for more investments in the newly opened up sectors, including engagement in agricultural exports to the province. Zhèjiāng province, a winner of the United Nation’s ecological honor for its river and streams clean up and revival program, is a model for the ‘Beautifying Sheger’ river cleaning project.

On April 24, 2019, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his delegation met with H.E. President Xi Jinping in a bilateral meeting ahead of the Belt and Road Forum. President Jinping admired the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy and the reforms he has led over the past year, noting that China holds Ethiopia’s development in high regard. He also shared the cancellation of interest free loans matured till end of 2018. Furthermore, President Xi emphasized that the Chinese government attaches high importance to the Beautifying Sheger project and is working on a grant assistance in its support. Both parties agreed to a strengthened cooperation between the two countries in various sectors.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed shared with H.E. President Xi Jinping the commitment of Ethiopia to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, which is enabling critical moves like restructuring the debt of the Addis Ababa - Djibouti railway. The railway project is an early harvest of the Belt and Road Initiative that Ethiopia is part of. In addition to a common understanding on global, regional cooperation and bilateral issues, Prime Minister Abiy also expressed his concern on the detainment of the young female engineer Nazrawit Abera.

Similarly, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his delegation met with Prime Minister Li Keqiang to discuss the further strengthening of Ethio-China relations. Premier Li Keqiang confirmed that China will continue to support Ethiopia’s efforts in promoting the wellbeing of its citizens and its economy. Both Prime Ministers presided over the signing of five agreements that reflect the deepening of these relations.

The agreements signed include:

1. a Financing agreement for development of a plaza and 12km of the ‘Beautifying Sheger’ river bank project;
2. Provision of grants for technical cooperation
3. Provision of grants to go towards food aid
4. Belt and Road Initiative five year cooperation plan
5. an MOU operationalizing cooperation under FOCAC

During his stay, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with the leadership of the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) in Beijing on the margins of the Belt and Road Forum. CRCC’s current largest engagement includes connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti through the railway project. CRCC have expressed interest in investing in agro-industry parks development, oil and gas development and the Beautifying Sheger river project.

In a similar note, following a meeting with State Grid Corporation of China, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed oversaw the signing of a USD 1.8 billion investment agreement which covers provision of energy transmission and distribution lines. This project will supply power for up to 16 industrial parks; the Addis Ababa to Djibouti 2nd railway line and for different cities in the country. This agreement will facilitate not only uninterrupted power supply but also enable the creation of jobs.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also met with the China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation (Sinosure). They guaranteed their full cooperation, particularly in enabling the materialization of the investment in energy by the State Grid Corporation of China.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with the privatization advisory council to evaluate updates on the privatization process on 22 April, 2019. The independent council was set up several months ago as an oversight body to provide expert inputs as state owned enterprises open up to private investments. As Ethiopia prepares the ground for investments in logistics, telecom, energy and other sectors, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted the role that East/Horn of Africa region integration will play in serving as a great opportunity for foreign direct investments.

The Office of the Prime Minister organized a two day round table from 19-20 April, 2019 under the theme ‘Ethiopia in the Wake of Political Reforms’ which reviewed thirty chapter entries for a book project. The book project set to examine the past one year by academics and thematic experts, includes a review of political and economic reforms, federalism and nation building and foreign policy and national security.

Key government representatives shared the administration‘s perspectives on the thematic areas. State Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Fisseha Yitagesu on the political reforms shared the scope of the political reforms have focused on scaling up of past successes; correcting previous mistakes and protecting the interests of the future generation.

Deputy Attorney General, Dr Gedion Themotios, highlighted the reforms as rooted in changing laws, the structural framework and leadership with commitment of government to bring political liberalization. In addition, key focus has also been on laying the foundation of institutional and normative frameworks for an inclusive and competitive political environment as well as modernizing the legal system.

In reviewing the base of the economic reforms, Investment Commissioner Abebe Abebayehu noted key priorities set have been to build a sustainable, broad based and market focused growth. Economic reforms have also shown renewed commitment to regional trade integration and enhancing participation of both foreign and local private investments.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Markos Tekle shared changes that have occurred in foreign relations. Additionally, in exploring the reforms that have been taking place in how the Ministry functions, he noted how the change in the domestic politics has significantly enhanced Ethiopian Foreign Relations.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received at his office Ivanka Trump, Advisor to the United States President, and her delegation on April 15, 2019 to discuss issues of mutual interest. Ms. Trump is in Ethiopia as part of the Women's Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) initiative aimed at advancing global women’s economic empowerment.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met a delegation headed by General Galaledin Alsheikh, Member of the Transitional Military Council of the Republic of Sudan on April 15, 2019. General Galaledin Alsheikh briefed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the situation in Sudan, noting the relationship with Ethiopia is of significant strategic importance. They called upon the Government of Ethiopia to continue its longstanding support to the country particularly in this time of transition.

On his part, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirmed the support of the Government of Ethiopia to the people of Sudan, stressing that this support is based on respect for Sudan’s sovereignty and on the principles of non-intervention. He encouraged the Transitional Military Council to be inclusive in addressing grievances and concerns as Sudan makes a peaceful transition.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other government officials participated in the cleaning Ethiopia initiative on April 14, 2019.

On April 12, 2019, the Office of the Prime Minister held the ‘Addis Weg - Experts Round Table, focused on institution building. Panelists and participants who have written, taught, researched and working on the issue raised, discussed and developed ideas as input for polaicy making.

Panelists defined institutions as the rule of the game and organizations as the players, in explaining evolution of institutions. They raised the need to develop strong institutional frameworks that function equitably and guide the way society functions, regardless of varying governmental administrations.

To create and nurture capable institutions, participants agreed that work on changing mindsets is essential as a primary task. Furthermore, they also shared the need to be open to change; to inculcate the habit of planning and delivering.

With regards to civil service reform measures taken by the government, the details and contextual dispositions of the current ideology of ideas, individuals and institutions were clearly defined. Focusing on individual performance and the immeasurable sacrifices of civil servants, the discussion dwelled on ownership of duties, upholding laws when no one is watching, duty and national service.

A strand of the quarterly ‘Addis Weg Discussion Platform’, the Experts’ Roundtable will continue to convene a small number of subject matter specialists, practitioners and members of Government, to exhaustively discuss pertinent and priority topics.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Oromia Region President Lema Megersa arrived in Nekemte town on April 11, 2019 to inaugurate the Wollega stadium. With a capacity of up to 80,000, the Wollega stadium becomes the biggest and modern type stadium and youth center in the town which will serve as recreational and sport center for its inhabitants.

Nekemte town residents received Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Lema Megersa with high energy and cheers as Prime Minister Abiy inaugurates the new stadium with a goal kick.

Addressing the Nekemte town residents in the newly inaugurated Wollega stadium, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recognized those who have paid a premium price for freedoms gained in Ethiopia. Emphasizing that there is no negotiating Ethiopia’s growth, he called upon Nekemte and Oromia region residents to unite, work peacefully and hard on Ethiopia’s unity and ultimately regional unity.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Oromia Region President Lema Megersa also held discussions with East Wollega Zone residents in Nekemte town.

President Sahlework Zewde and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed celebrated Ethiopian athletes, coaches and officials that participated in the 43rd edition of the IAAF World Cross Country Championships at a state dinner on April 9, 2019.

In his remarks at the dinner, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted the value of MEDEMER in action witnessed through the victories of our athletes. Reflecting on current challenges, he highlighted the lessons that can be drawn from athletes in winning the race if we listen to each other closely, work collectively, develop patience and work hard.

He concluded by calling upon all Ethiopians in all parts of the country to dedicate every Sunday from 6am to 7am to cleaning - our neighborhoods, our streets, our minds from all that is polluting our environment and our beings.

The athletes achieved a great victory, returning to Ethiopia with 5 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals, taking 1st place among 63 countries. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed awarded the leadership of the committee and high performing athletes with certificates of recognition and financial rewards.

‪Renowned athlete Feyisa Lelisa, also present at the dinner, was honored in a special category, as part of the celebratory evening, for his silver medal victory at the Rio 2016 marathon.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, First Lady Zinash Tayachew and the Prime Minister’s delegation arrived in Kigali, Rwanda on April 6, 2019 for an official state visit and upon arrival were received by H.E. President Paul Kagame. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew attended various ceremonies in relation to the 25th commemoration of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew joined H.E. President Paul Kagame and other world leaders in laying a wreath and lighting of the remembrance flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial where more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide rest. The 25th commemoration of the Genocide in Rwanda is a critical moment for the global community to reflect on the need for mutual understanding and tolerance across divides. We can build peaceful communities through nurturing open dialogue and mutual understanding.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in his remarks at the 25th commemoration of the Genocide in Rwanda noted the importance of seeing others as reflections of ourselves in moving past grievances and building unity of purpose. Emphasizing that as a global community we should not experience such devastation to honor each other’s lives, he commended the Government and people of Rwanda for recognizing unity, forgiveness and reconciliation as key pillars for their remarkable growth.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew joined H.E. President Paul Kagame and other world leaders in the Genocide memorial walk before concluding their official visit and returning to Addis Ababa on 7 April, 2019.

During Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Qatar end of March 2019, he visited with hospitalized Ethiopian’s requiring continuous medical care. Following this visit, the Qatar Government pledged to support the return of those patients back to Ethiopia, covering medical costs for up to a year so they continue their treatment among their families. One of the patients is set to arrive in Addis Ababa between April 8-10, 2019.

It is to be recalled that in April 2018, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during his visit to Saudi Arabia secured such a similar support for Ethiopian citizens requiring critical medical care.

The National Security Advisor Temesgen Tiruneh provided updates on efforts made over the past year to reform the National Defence Forces, INSA, NISS and Federal Police.

The institutional reforms have focused on leadership, mindset, work process and operational changes as well as ensuring enhanced alignment across the security apparatus.

The ‘Dine for Sheger’ committee chaired by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and mobilizing funds for the 'Beautifying Sheger' project, met this afternoon to review the status of its preliminary work. The committee will finalize its tasks within the next few weeks and provide further details.

ጠቅላይ ሚኒስትር ዐቢይ አሕመድ እና የኦሮምያ ክልል ፕሬዘዳንት ለማ መገርሳ የኢትዮጵያ ምርት ገብያ በመቱ በከፈተው 23ኛ ቅርንጫፍ የመክፈቻ ስነስርዓት ላይ መጋቢት 26 ቀን 2011 ተገኝተዋል። ምርት ገብያው በ60 ሚሊየን ብር ለሚያስገነባው መጋዘን እና ቅርንጫፍ ቢሮዎች ግንባታ የመስረት ድንጋይ የኦሮምያ ፕሬዘዳንት ለማ መገርሳ አስቀምጠዋል። የመቱ ከተማ ነዋሪዎችም ለጠቅላይ ሚንስትር ዐቢይ እና ፕሬዘዳንት ለማ መገርሳ የባህል አልባሳት ስጦታ አበርክተውላቸዋል።

በመቀጠልም ከመቱ ከተማ ኑዋሪዎች ጋር ተወያይተዋል። በውይይቱም ነዋሪዎቹ የመንገድ፣የአውሮፕላን ማረፊያ እና ሌሎች የመሰረተ ልማት ግንባታ ጥያቄዎች አቅርበዋል። ነዋሪዎቹ ዩንቨርስቲ በከተማው መከፈቱን አድንቀው ነገር ግን የአርሶ አደሩን ህይወት መለወጥ የሚችሉ የጥናት እና ምርምር ስራዎች እየተሰሩ አይደለም ብለዋል። ጠቅላይ ሚንስትር ዐቢይ አሕመድ ሁላችንም አንድነታችን ማስጠበቅ ከቻልን የተነሱ ጥያቄዎች መመለስ የሚችሉ ናቸው ብለዋል።

ጠቅላይ ሚኒስትር ዐቢይ አሕመድ እና የኦሮሚያ ክልል ፕሬዚዳንት ለማ መገርሳ በምዕራብ ኦሮሚያ የሚያደርጉት ጉብኝት ቀጥሎ ዛሬ ከቡኖ በደሌ ዞን ነዋሪዎች ጋር ዉይይት እያደረጉ ይገኛሉ:: በዉይይቱም ላይ ጠቅላይ ሚኒስትር ዐቢይ እንድተናገሩት እርስ በእርስ ከተዋደድንና ከተፋቀርን ኢትዮጲያ ለሁላችንም የምትበቃ ሀገር ናት::

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in the city of Jijiga earlier this afternoon and will be attending the closing ceremony of the Ethiopian Somali People’s Democratic Party (ESPD/SDP) 10th congress.

Over the past three days, the party has arrived at various decisions, including changing its name to Somali Democracy Party (SDP).

In Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s address to Ethiopians at a public event marking the first year at the helm of his premiership, he called upon Ethiopians to harness diversity, to draw upon forgiveness and love as we forge ahead anchoring the reforms in institution building.

A photo exhibition capturing a year of reforms opened this morning by H.E. Dr Hirut Kassaw, Minister of Culture and Tourism. Dr. Hirut noted photography as one means of retaining memories that will be part of history. The exhibition, organized by the Office of the Prime Minister, includes more than 250 digital and print photos captures moments captured by various photographers showing public responses and engagements of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other government dignitaries.

የኢፌዴሪ ጠቅላይ ሚኒስትር ዐቢይ አሕመድ ለአገር ውስጥና ለውጭ ጋዜጠኞች ወቅታዊ የአገሪቱ ጉዳዮችን በተመለከተ ለተነሱላቸው ጥያቄዎች ምላሽ ሰጥተዋል። ዋና ዋናዎቹ ነጥቦችም ከዚህ በታች ተዘርዝረዋል፡፡

የሕግ የበላይነትን ማስከበር በተመለከተ፤ በተለያዩ የአገሪቱ ክፍሎች ተፈጥረው የነበሩ ሕገ ወጥ እንቅስቃሴዎችን መንግሥት እየተከታታለ ሕግና ሥርዓትን ለማስከበር ባለፈው አንድ ዓመት ተጠቃሽ ሥራዎችን ሰርቷል፡፡ ለዚህም ጠቅላይ ሚኒስትሩ እንደምሳሌ ያነሱት ከ30ሺ በላይ የታጠቀ ኃይል በነበረበት የኢትዮጵያ ሶማሌ ክልል የተፈጠረውን ቀውስ ከመቀልበስ ጀምሮ፤ በሐዋሳ፣ በቡራዩ፣ በአዲስ አበባ፣ በወለጋ፣ በሻሸመኔ፣ በጌዶና በቤኒሻንጉል በመቶዎች የሚቆጠሩ ተጠርጣሪዎች ጉዳያቸው በፍርድ ቤት በመታየት ላይ መሆኑን ነው፡፡

The two day ‘Addis Wog’ forum opened on 22 March, 2019, with sessions to reflect on the one-year journey of reforms, rooted in Ethiopia’s socio-economic and political history. The two days platform, ‘Addis Wog’ aims to introduce a novel approach to exchanging ideas and a respectful culture of dialogue.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in addressing participants at the ‘Addis Weg’ platform, described the discussions as an opportunity to collect our spirits from the streets and bring them to the room; our power from stones and sticks to ideas; and letting go of our baggage to move towards collectively building Ethiopia.

In explaining manifestations of our political breakages, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed identified the following as key societal challenges that need to be collectively addressed:

1. not being conscious of others beyond individual and group interests
2. not delivering in equal measure to what we demand
3. thinking in extremities
4. not making linkages between past, present and future
5. dismissing profession in favor of activism
6. not valuing and taking stock of what we’ve achieved so far
7. media not being aware that they are in the process of writing history in their daily reporting; and
8. lack of social media ethics among users

He concluded by asserting that one of the administration’s commitments is rooted in ensuring a true electoral democracy and creating a conducive environment for it.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during his official visit to the State of Qatar on 19 March, 2019, he discussed with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, on bilateral issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his delegation proceeded to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 21 March 2019. He was received by Crown Prince H.H Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan. Both parties held discussions on issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed travelled to Gedeb Woreda on March 18, 2019 to assess the state of Gedeo community members currently in temporary shelters. Members of the displaced expressed their grievances to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hold lengthy discussions with representatives.

The Federal government, through the coordination of the National Disaster Risk Management Commission, upon the request of zonal and regional administrators earlier this week, has been transporting humanitarian supplies to the area as of March 11th.

All Ethiopian political parties signed a code of conduct on March 14, 2019. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed signed the document on behalf of the Ethiopian People’s Democratic Front (EPRDF). The signing of this common code of conduct further confirms the opening up of the political space in Ethiopia, and government’s commitment to ensure fair, free and inclusive election.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted the signing of the code of conduct as a milestone for democracy. Describing the day as a historic and unique one that has bound more than 100 parties in common understanding, he called upon all to treat the document as one that guides the actions of all. He also called upon law and security enforcement entities to serve all parties equally. In concluding, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called upon all to be custodians of peace and unity in our current moment.

President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic arrived in Ethiopia on March 12 for a two-day official visit.

In an an official welcoming ceremony at Lalibela airport, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received the President of the French Republic, H.E. Emmanuel Macron. This is President Macron’s first state visit to Ethiopia. The reception at Lalibela is the first of its kind since the city’s historic relevance as a site of diplomacy 800 years ago.

The two countries have also enjoyed strong diplomatic relations since 1897. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Emmanuel Macron visited the Rock-Hewn churches of Lalibela this afternoon. It is to be recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed secured a support pledge from the French in October 2018 that would go toward restoration of the Churches.

More over, the two leaders presided over the signing of cooperation agreements between Ethiopia and France.

Honorable Aisha Mohammed (Eng), Minister of Defense signed the defense cooperation agreement which covers training, capacity building and a strategic level exchanges.

Honorable Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance and Economic Cooperation signed the following:
- Memorandum of Understanding on the Promotion of French Investments in Ethiopia
- Joint Declaration on the Financial Support to the Economic Transition
- Joint Declaration on the Heritage Cooperation

The signing of these agreements is testimony to strengthening Ethio-France relations.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed bid farewell to President Emmanuel Macron on March 13, 2019 as he concluded his two-day state visit to Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received at his office on March 11, 2019 Mr. David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP). Their meeting is a continuation of discussions held in Rome, Italy where WFP committed to further strengthening their support and commitment to Ethiopia’s development endeavors in food security, nutrition and capacity building.

The Office of the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government and people of Ethiopia, expressed it’s deepest condolences to the families of those that have lost their loved ones on Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 on regular scheduled flight to Nairobi, Kenya on March 10, 2019.

During the day Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited the Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 accident site. He expressed his profound sadness at the loss of life and wishes healing to the friends and families of the bereaved.

In addition, he has provided direction for the full investigation of the cause of the accident as well as ensuring all required support is given to the families of the bereaved.

In his televised statement, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed once again expressed his condolences to the families of passengers and crew members who were aboard ET 302, on behalf of the Government of Ethiopia. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assured that the cause of the accident will be investigated by technical experts and communicated promptly to the public as updates come in. He also shared his appreciation to the management, board members and staff of Ethiopian Airlines for their efforts throughout the day.

May those aboard ET302 Rest In Peace.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the International Women’s Day celebration organized by the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth. He emphasized that women are the pillars of the nation and the least recognized for their sacrifices and giving. Furthermore, he called upon Ethiopian heroines to cross artificial divides in working to build the country’s peace and unity.

Through the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed met this morning to discuss extensively on the source of the two countries dispute. As an outcome of the discussions, both parties agreed to work together towards and peace and to take measures in addressing particular issues that escalated the tensions.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali Republic President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed are currently on their way to Nairobi, Kenya to meet with President Uhuru Kenyatta. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is paying special attention to reconciling the differences that have emerged between Somalia and Kenya as the current Chair of IGAD. During the official visit of President Kenyatta and Abdullahi Mohamed to Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy also hosted long consultations with each of the leaders to facilitate the first face to face discussion in a long time. It is expected that the mediated meeting between the two countries will ease tensions that have been building.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received the President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed at Bole International Airport this morning for a one day official visit. In a continuation of bilateral and trilateral talks that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been undertaking over the past few days with Horn region countries, the two parties are expected to continue discussions of key regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest.