Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, reiterated Ethiopia’s longstanding support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that the country “consistently supports the two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace.”
The remarks came during official talks at the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa, where Selassie hosted Israeli President Isaac Herzog for high-level discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral political and diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Herzog was welcomed with a ceremonial honor guard upon arrival, reflecting the warm diplomatic ties. The Israeli president held separate meetings with both President Selassie and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, focusing on deepening cooperation and exploring shared interests.
In a statement released by his office, Herzog emphasized the deep historical and cultural connections between Ethiopia and Israel, particularly highlighting the Ethiopian Jewish community (Beta Israel) in Israel as a vital bridge between the two peoples. He expressed gratitude for Ethiopia’s continued support for Israel on the international stage and its consistent advocacy for peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, posting on his official X account, described the visit as featuring “productive discussions.” He noted that the talks covered ways to enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including economic development, technology exchange, agriculture, water management, and regional security.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Herzog also engaged with senior officials, including Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, during the one-day visit. The discussions underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to balanced diplomacy in the Middle East while advancing its strategic partnership with Israel, which has grown in recent years through cooperation in defense, agriculture, cybersecurity, and infrastructure.
The visit occurs amid ongoing regional and global tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, now in its fourth year since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent Gaza war. Ethiopia has historically maintained diplomatic relations with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, advocating for a negotiated settlement based on the two-state framework endorsed by the United Nations and much of the international community.
Herzog’s trip to Addis Ababa is part of a broader diplomatic outreach by Israel to strengthen ties with African nations, many of which have historically supported Palestinian statehood resolutions at the UN but have also pursued pragmatic economic and security partnerships with Israel in recent years.
No joint communiqués or specific agreements were announced at the conclusion of the talks, but both sides described the engagement as constructive and forward-looking. President Selassie’s reaffirmation of the two-state solution aligns with Ethiopia’s long-standing position in multilateral forums, including the African Union and the United Nations.
The visit underscores the enduring diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Israel, rooted in shared historical narratives, religious connections, and mutual strategic interests in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.
