Addis Ababa, June 9, 2026 Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gideon Timotheus yesterday received the European Union Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, and held discussions with her.
During the meeting, the minister expressed appreciation for the European Union’s support and solidarity on global health issues, particularly the recent cooperation in combating the Ebola outbreak.
He also noted that the support provided to the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is an important step towards strengthening collective efforts to address potential global health threats.
The minister also briefed the commissioner on peace and security issues in the Horn of Africa, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For her part, Commissioner Lahbib affirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Africa and working together to address shared health and humanitarian challenges.
African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a specialized public health agency of the African Union, established in 2017 to enhance the continent’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to disease outbreaks. Its creation was driven by the need for a unified health security framework following the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, which exposed weaknesses in national health systems. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Africa CDC works to strengthen surveillance, laboratory systems, and emergency response across member states.
Horn of Africa
The Horn of Africa is a prominent peninsula in East Africa, encompassing countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Historically, it was a crucial trade hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, known for ancient kingdoms like the Axumite Empire and later as a center for maritime commerce along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. The region has a complex history of colonialism, conflict, and cultural exchange, shaping its diverse ethnic and linguistic landscape.
African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a specialized technical institution of the African Union established in 2016 to support public health initiatives across the continent. Its creation was driven by the need to strengthen Africa’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to disease outbreaks, following lessons from the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it works to enhance health security by coordinating regional surveillance, laboratory systems, and emergency response.
Horn of Africa
The Horn of Africa is a peninsula in East Africa that includes countries like Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. It has a long history as a key trade hub, connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia through maritime routes, and was home to ancient civilizations such as the Kingdom of Aksum. The region’s strategic location has also made it a site of colonial competition and modern geopolitical significance.
Axumite Empire
The Axumite Empire was a powerful ancient kingdom centered in present-day northern Ethiopia and Eritrea, flourishing from around the 1st to the 7th century CE. It was a major trading hub connecting Africa, Arabia, and
African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a specialized public health agency of the African Union, established in 2017 to support member states in preventing, detecting, and responding to disease outbreaks. It was created in response to the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic, which exposed critical gaps in the continent’s health security infrastructure. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Africa CDC works to strengthen national health systems and coordinate cross-border health emergency responses across Africa.
Horn of Africa
The Horn of Africa is a peninsula in East Africa that includes countries like Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Historically, it was a crucial trade hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with ancient kingdoms such as the Axumite Empire thriving there. The region is known for its diverse cultures and strategic location along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
Axumite Empire
The Axumite Empire was a powerful ancient kingdom centered in present-day northern Ethiopia and Eritrea, flourishing from around the 1st to the 7th century AD. It was a major trading hub connecting Africa, Arabia, and the Roman world, and is renowned for its monumental obelisks, the introduction of Christianity in the 4th century under King Ezana, and its own script, Ge’ez. The empire’s decline began with the rise of Islamic expansion and environmental changes, but its legacy endures in Ethiopian culture and history.
Red Sea
The Red Sea is a narrow seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia, known for its rich marine biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs. Historically, it has been a crucial trade route since ancient times, mentioned in the biblical story of the Exodus and used by the Egyptians, Romans, and later Islamic empires for commerce. Today, it remains a major hub for global shipping and a popular destination for diving and tourism.
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world, covering approximately 20% of Earth’s water surface and bordered by Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent. Historically, it served as a vital corridor for ancient trade routes, connecting civilizations such as Egypt, Rome, India, and China through the monsoon-driven exchange of spices, textiles, and ideas. Its strategic importance continued through the colonial era and remains crucial today for global commerce and geopolitics.
Kingdom of Aksum
The Kingdom of Aksum was a powerful ancient empire located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, flourishing from around the 1st to the 7th century AD. It was a major trading hub connecting Africa, the Mediterranean, and Asia, and is historically significant for being one of the first states to adopt Christianity under King Ezana in the 4th century. Today, its legacy is preserved in the ruins of Aksum, including towering obelisks and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, which is said to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia, founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II. Its name means “New Flower” in Amharic, and it has served as the nation’s political and cultural hub, hosting the headquarters of the African Union. The city blends modern development with historic landmarks, such as the National Museum, which houses the famous fossil “Lucy.”