Ethiopia Eyes Global Leadership With Revamped Diplomacy, BRICS Momentum

ADDIS ABABA – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has unveiled Ethiopia’s renewed diplomatic vision, aiming to elevate the country’s role in international affairs through a more assertive and independent foreign policy approach.

In an interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), the premier explained that Ethiopia is moving away from the traditional “3 P’s” diplomatic model–Political, Process, and Protocol–and adopting a new framework based on four pillars: active engagement, diversified partnerships, ideological independence, and agenda-setting leadership.

Abiy emphasized that Ethiopia must engage the world with awareness and neutrality, maintaining balanced relationships with diverse global actors, including both Israel and Arab nations. He said Ethiopia must support peaceful dialogue while remaining neutral where necessary, reflecting its commitment to non-aligned, interest-based diplomacy.

He described the country’s strategy to seek alternative partnerships across continents as essential to ensuring global relevance. He also underlined the importance of ideological independence, which enables Ethiopia to remain flexible and neutral in a polarized international environment.

The fourth pillar, according to the Prime Minister, is Ethiopia’s ambition to lead rather than follow. He said Ethiopia, as one of only 11 countries with both a large population and a rich historical legacy, has a responsibility to be proactive on the global stage.

Citing Ethiopia’s recent accession to the BRICS bloc, Abiy said the country initially faced exclusion but successfully demonstrated its strategic significance and earned membership through persistence and diplomacy. He stated that this reflects Ethiopia’s ability to set its own agenda in global forums.