Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Wednesday that he held a “very fruitful” telephone conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, covering key bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Prime Minister characterized the discussion as evidence of a shared resolve to elevate the long-standing relationship between Ethiopia and the United States into a more strategic and practical partnership.
“Our discussion is proof of the commitment of both countries to translating the enduring relationship between Ethiopia and the United States into a more strategic and practical partnership,” Prime Minister Abiy wrote.
The Premier specifically welcomed Washington’s assurance of continued support for Ethiopia, underscoring a mutual commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation and addressing regional and multilateral priorities. “I welcome the assurance of continued U.S. support for Ethiopia and our shared commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation and addressing regional and multilateral priorities,” he stated.
The readout from Addis Ababa offered no further granular details on the specific agenda items discussed. However, the timing of the call is significant, coming amid heightened regional tensions and a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ethiopia’s northern regions.
The phone call builds upon a diplomatic relationship that formally dates back to December 1903, when Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II and U.S. representative Robert P. Skinner signed a treaty of commerce, establishing formal diplomatic ties. Over the subsequent century, the relationship has weathered significant geopolitical shifts, evolving into a partnership focused on development, security, and regional stability.
In recent months, the two nations have taken tangible steps to institutionalize this cooperation. In May 2026, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs T.H. Alison Hooker signed the Bilateral Structured Dialogue (BSD) Framework Agreement in Washington, D.C. That framework established three formal pillars of cooperation: economic prosperity through trade and investment, defense and security collaboration, and regional peace and stability.
The conversation between Prime Minister Abiy and Secretary Rubio also occurs against a backdrop of acute regional challenges. The Horn of Africa remains a focal point of U.S. foreign policy, with Washington consistently emphasizing the strategic importance of stability in the region.
Just a week prior to the call, Secretary Rubio and Prime Minister Abiy had already spoken by phone, reaffirming their shared commitment to the ongoing effort to build a foundation for peace in the Horn of Africa. Additionally, in early October, the United States publicly urged both Ethiopia and Eritrea to exercise maximum restraint and return to dialogue, reflecting Washington’s active engagement in de-escalating tensions in the area.
