Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives (HPR) began its second regular session of the fifth year of the sixth parliamentary term in Addis Ababa, attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Lawmakers raised questions on national priorities, government performance, and key policy directions for the fiscal year. Prime Minister Abiy is expected to address the inquiries later in the session. Diplomats, religious leaders, and representatives of political parties also attended the opening proceedings.

Ethiopia expressed readiness to host the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit, highlighting Addis Ababa’s status as Africa’s political capital and its capacity for major international conferences. Consultations between Ethiopian and Russian officials underscored the country’s suitability, with Ambassador Evgeny Teryokhin affirming strong AU support. The summit will aim to deepen cooperation in security, technology, and energy within the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum framework, continuing efforts initiated in Sochi in 2019 to enhance diplomatic and economic collaboration.

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos hailed the signing of an action plan with Russia’s Rosatom for nuclear power plant construction as a historic milestone in bilateral relations. Speaking during his official visit to Moscow, Gedion said the agreement marks a new era in Ethiopia-Russia cooperation. He also highlighted the importance of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent talks with President Vladimir Putin, which strengthened diplomatic and energy collaboration between the two nations.

Ethiopia reaffirmed its leadership in continental peace and security at the 11th Tana Forum on African Peace, held in Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa under the theme “Africa in a Changing Global Order.” Ambassador Nebiyat Getachew said the forum underscores Africa’s role in shaping global governance. The event gathered African heads of state, ministers, and scholars to advance Africa-led solutions for security challenges and produce actionable policy recommendations for the continent’s stability.

United Nations officials commended Ethiopia for its founding role in the UN and enduring commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development during the UN’s 80th anniversary celebration in Addis Ababa. UNAIDS Country Director Krittayawan Boonto praised Ethiopia’s leadership in peacekeeping and environmental action, notably the Green Legacy Initiative. Acting UN Resident Coordinator Aboubacar Kampo lauded Ethiopia’s contributions to UN reform and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for inclusive growth.

Ethiopia and Romania agreed to strengthen bilateral relations during a meeting between State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera and Romania’s State Minister Clara Staicu in Addis Ababa. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, education, technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Both sides underscored collaboration in capacity building, peace, and stability in the Horn of Africa. They also committed to deepening economic ties through regular political consultations and joint development initiatives.