Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, is set to embark on a two-day visit to Ethiopia starting Thursday, in response to an invitation from his Ethiopian counterpart. This visit is seen as a significant step in enhancing diplomatic relations between the two nations, particularly in the context of strengthening parliamentary ties and regional cooperation.
Qalibaf’s visit is historic, marking the first time an Iranian parliamentary speaker has traveled to Ethiopia since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. During his time in Addis Ababa, Qalibaf will meet with senior Ethiopian officials, including the Speaker of the Ethiopian Parliament, to discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in various sectors such as energy, agriculture, technology, and education.
Iran and Ethiopia share a long history of relations, dating back to the 1950s, although these ties have fluctuated over the years, particularly after the 1979 revolution. However, the two nations have worked to gradually restore and expand their relationship since the 1990s, with the 2000s seeing the establishment of higher-level visits and increased diplomatic activity.
Ethiopia’s strategic location in the Horn of Africa, combined with its population of nearly 130 million, makes it an important partner for Iran in the region. As part of Iran’s broader “South-South Cooperation Strategy,” which prioritizes building relationships with African and Latin American countries, the visit underscores Tehran’s ongoing efforts to enhance its influence across Africa.
According to Iram a centre for Iranian Studies, the timing of Qalibaf’s visit comes after both Iran and Ethiopia joined the BRICS bloc, further solidifying their global diplomatic presence. The visit also follows Ethiopia’s recent success in resolving regional tensions with Somalia, with Türkiye playing a key role as a mediator.
In addition to its ties with Iran, Ethiopia has maintained a robust relationship with Israel, particularly in the fields of defense and agriculture. This dynamic adds complexity to Ethiopia’s foreign relations, positioning the country as a crucial player in the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa.
As the visit progresses, it is expected that the discussions will focus on enhancing economic collaboration, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as energy, agriculture, and technology, which are seen as key drivers of future growth for both nations.