Addis ababa: The outgoing German Ambassador to Ethiopia Jens Hanefeld has praised Ethiopia’s ongoing homegrown economic reform as a brave and promising step toward the nation’s development.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, President Taye Atske Selassie recently bid farewell to Ambassador Jens Hanefeld, expressing gratitude for his efforts in deepening the bilateral relations between Germany and Ethiopia. Ambassador Hanefeld, in an exclusive interview, highlighted the significance of the 120-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries, emphasizing Germany’s role as one of Ethiopia’s closest allies in Africa.
“This is a very special year, as we are celebrating 120 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Germany has always considered itself to be a very good friend of Ethiopia, and I think we have had bilateral relations which reflect this in many ways. I myself have had the privilege of being ambassador to Ethiopia,” he underscored.
Reflecting on his tenure in Ethiopia, Ambassador Hanefeld noted that the East African nation has been undertaking a far-reaching homegrown economic reform. He specifically commended the ongoing macroeconomic and financial sector reforms, which he described as brave and encouraging developments strongly supported by Germany, both through international financial institutions like the IMF and the World Bank and in a bilateral sense.
Currently, Ethiopia has initiated significant economic reforms that have garnered global acclaim, particularly from international financial institutions. These reforms, part of the nation’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, aim to transition Ethiopia towards a more inclusive and private sector-led growth model.
Recognizing Ethiopia as Germany’s largest development partner, Hanefeld elaborated on his country’s continued commitment to advancing Ethiopia’s journey toward a prosperous future. “Ethiopia is the biggest development partner of Germany in the world. And I think this is a highlight of the fact that we are engaged in helping Ethiopia develop towards a future which will serve all of its people in a peaceful and prosperous manner,” the ambassador revealed.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of the bilateral relationship, its strength, and the positive prospects for the future of both countries.