Ethiopia and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on global health security, humanitarian preparedness, and regional peace and security following high-level talks held in Addis Ababa on Monday.

Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos received the European Union Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, for discussions focused on shared challenges facing Africa and Europe.

On the occasion, the Minister expressed his appreciation for the support and show of solidarity of the European Union on matters of global health issues, particularly on recent cooperation in tackling the Ebola outbreak.

He further noted that the support provided to Africa CDC is a key step toward jointly addressing potential global threats.

The talks also extended beyond public health, with the Ethiopian minister briefing the EU commissioner on developments related to peace and security in the Horn of Africa.

The region has remained strategically significant due to ongoing efforts to address conflicts, humanitarian concerns, and cross-border security challenges that have implications for both regional and international stability.

Commissioner Lahbib, on her part, reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthen its partnership with Africa and to work together in addressing common health and humanitarian challenges.

The meeting reflects the growing importance of Africa-Europe cooperation in areas ranging from disease prevention and emergency preparedness to humanitarian response and regional security. In recent years, the EU has expanded its engagement with African institutions, including Africa CDC, as part of broader efforts to enhance resilience against public health emergencies and other transnational challenges.

Observers note that the discussions come at a time when global health security has become an increasingly important pillar of international cooperation, with lessons from recent pandemics and disease outbreaks highlighting the need for stronger partnerships between regional and global institutions.

The engagement also signals continued efforts by Ethiopia and the European Union to align priorities on peace, stability and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa and beyond.