[FR] Communication to Ethiopia

[Bruno]

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RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
Présidence de la République
Palais de l'Élysée
55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris, France​

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Classification: Confidential, Secret & Classified – Eyes Only
Transmission: Secure Government Channel
From: The President of the French Republic, President Jean-Luc Moreau
To: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Naio90
Subject: Framework for Bilateral Strategic Dialogue

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Your Excellency,
On behalf of President Jean-Luc Moreau and the Government of the French Republic, I convey our respectful greetings to the Government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

France recognizes Ethiopia’s historic role as a sovereign pillar of stability and continuity within the Horn of Africa. As both of our nations pursue institutional strengthening and long-term economic modernization, the French Republic considers this an appropriate moment to initiate a structured bilateral dialogue.

Our Government seeks to explore cooperation founded on three principles:

I. Economic Modernization and Industrial Development
France proposes the opening of technical consultations to identify sectors of mutual interest, including infrastructure development, energy systems modernization, transportation corridors, and industrial capacity expansion. French industrial expertise may contribute to sustainable growth while respecting Ethiopia’s sovereign development priorities.

II. Agricultural and Technological Partnership
Recognizing Ethiopia’s strategic agricultural potential, France is prepared to discuss cooperative programs in agricultural modernization, water management systems, and applied technological transfer, structured through legally grounded and mutually beneficial frameworks.

III. Strategic and Regional Dialogue
France maintains a long-standing interest in the stability of maritime routes connecting the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean. We therefore welcome dialogue regarding regional stability and security developments, conducted in a manner that fully respects Ethiopia’s sovereignty and regional leadership role.

The French Republic does not approach this initiative as an external patron, but as a structured partner committed to institutional cooperation, economic responsibility, and long-term stability.

Should your Government find this proposal aligned with its strategic interests, we propose the establishment of a preliminary bilateral consultation mechanism, either through diplomatic channels or via a scheduled ministerial exchange. France stands ready to engage constructively and with full respect for Ethiopian sovereignty and strategic autonomy.

Respectfully,

Étienne Laurent
Minister of Foreign Affairs & Strategic Partnerships of the French Republic
Palais de l'Élysée

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This message was transmitted through official diplomatic channels of the French Republic.
Any unauthorized disclosure is prohibited.

 

[Naio90]

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia የኢትዮጵያ ፌዴራላዊ ዴሞክራሲያዊ ሪፐብሊክ Message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade _________________________________________________________________________​

Status: Private To: The President of the French Republic, President Jean-Luc Moreau Re: Framework for Bilateral Strategic Dialogue​

Your Excellency President Laurent, I receive your communication with great appreciation, and convey in return the warm regards of the Government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to President Moreau and the French Republic. Ethiopia has long valued its relationship with France — a nation whose commitment to sovereignty, institutional order, and multilateral engagement mirrors principles that guide our own foreign policy. Your Government's decision to initiate this structured dialogue is therefore welcomed, and we regard it as both timely and substantive. On the three pillars you have outlined, the Ethiopian Government offers the following preliminary positions: I. Economic Modernization and Industrial Development Ethiopia is currently engaged in an ambitious programme of infrastructure expansion and industrial capacity building. We are open to technical consultations with French counterparts, particularly in the areas of energy systems, railway and logistics corridors, and manufacturing development. We would welcome a mapping exercise to identify where French expertise and Ethiopian strategic priorities intersect most productively. II. Agricultural and Technological Partnership Agriculture remains the foundation of our national economy and food security strategy. Ethiopia's potential in this sector is considerable, and we recognize that structured technology transfer — conducted on equitable and transparent terms — can accelerate outcomes that serve both our peoples. We are prepared to enter into exploratory discussions under a mutually agreed framework, with particular interest in irrigation infrastructure, drought-resilient cultivation, and agro-industrial processing. III. Strategic and Regional Dialogue Ethiopia shares France's interest in the stability of the maritime corridors connecting the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the broader Indian Ocean region. Our recent recovery of direct access to the open-sea and continuous investments in our port and sea infrastructure reaffirm our interest in being a maritime country. The Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea are key routes for international trade, therefore Ethiopia has a direct and enduring stake in their security and freedom of navigation. We welcome structured dialogue on regional stability, conducted with full respect for the sovereignty and agency of all Horn of Africa states. The Ethiopian Government agrees that the appropriate next step is the establishment of a preliminary bilateral consultation mechanism. We propose that initial contact be made through our respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs, with a view to scheduling a formal ministerial exchange at a mutually convenient date. We look forward to building a relationship defined by mutual respect, shared benefit, and long-term institutional commitment. Respectfully, Demeke Mekonnen Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Addis Ababa ​

Bruno

 

[Bruno]

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RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
Présidence de la République
Palais de l'Élysée
55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris, France​

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Classification: Confidential, Secret & Classified – Eyes Only
Transmission: Secure Government Channel
From: The President of the French Republic, President Jean-Luc Moreau
To: Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Demeke Mekonnen Naio90
Subject: Framework for Bilateral Strategic Dialogue

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Your Excellency,

I am gratified to receive your thoughtful and constructive response on behalf of President Moreau and the Government of the French Republic. Your emphasis on sovereignty, institutional order, and mutual benefit resonates deeply with France’s own principles.

Your Government’s preliminary positions on the three pillars align closely with our vision for cooperation. Allow me to propose the following concrete next steps to translate these shared priorities into action:

I. Economic Modernization and Industrial Development​

We take note of your focus on energy systems, railway/logistics corridors, and manufacturing development. To operationalize this pillar, we propose:

• A joint mapping exercise, led by our respective Ministries of Economy and Infrastructure, to be completed within 60 days of the first ministerial exchange.
• Priority sectors for French technical consultation: renewable energy integration (solar/wind), railway modernization, and light manufacturing capacity expansion.
• A pilot project in one agreed sector (e.g., Addis Ababa-Djibouti rail logistics) to demonstrate tangible outcomes within 12 months.

II. Agricultural and Technological Partnership​

Your strategic focus on irrigation, drought resilience, and agro-industrial processing is both timely and aligned with French expertise. We suggest:

• The establishment of a Franco-Ethiopian Agricultural Innovation Task Force, co-chaired by our Ministries of Agriculture, to identify three high-impact projects (e.g., drought-resistant seed technology transfer, irrigation infrastructure in the Awash Basin).
• A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on agricultural technology consultation, ensuring equitable terms, and capacity-building for Ethiopian institutions.

III. Strategic and Regional Dialogue​

France recognizes Ethiopia’s critical stake in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden stability, particularly in light of your renewed maritime access and the importance of these waterways. We propose:

• A high-level maritime security dialogue, involving our Naval and Foreign Affairs Ministries, to explore:
  • Joint patrols or information-sharing mechanisms in the Gulf of Aden.
  • Port infrastructure collaboration in Ethiopia, leveraging French expertise in secure, efficient maritime logistics.

In line with your proposal, I will contact your office within 7 days to:

1. Finalize dates for a ministerial exchange in Addis Ababa or Paris (proposed timeline: within 8 weeks).
2. Agree on the terms of reference for the joint mapping exercise and task forces.
3. Establish a secure diplomatic channel for ongoing coordination.

France reaffirms its commitment to a partnership founded on mutual respect, sovereignty, and long-term institutional cooperation. We approach this dialogue as an opportunity to build a model of equitable, results-driven engagement between our nations. We look forward to your confirmation of these proposals and to welcoming an Ethiopian delegation to Paris at the earliest convenience.

Respectfully,

Étienne Laurent
Minister of Foreign Affairs & Strategic Partnerships of the French Republic
Palais de l'Élysée

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This message was transmitted through official diplomatic channels of the French Republic.
Any unauthorized disclosure is prohibited.