Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
Partnership Focused on Regional Peace and Security
By Chekole Alemu
The visit of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to Ethiopia’s International Aviation Expo signals a renewed momentum in diplomatic and security cooperation between Addis Ababa and Washington, particularly at a time when stability in the Horn of Africa remains a shared concern.
The expo, organized by the Ethiopian Air Force, brought together a wide range of international participants, including defense engineering firms, military universities, defense foundations, and global aviation and security institutions. Displays highlighted Ethiopia’s domestic capabilities in military technology and aviation, underscoring the country’s long standing investment in defense modernization and technical self reliance.
Deputy Secretary Landau toured the exhibition alongside Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, and U.S. Africa Command Commander General Dagvin Anderson. The presence of senior military and diplomatic officials from both sides pointed to the strategic weight the United States places on Ethiopia within its broader Africa policy.
Following the visit, Landau praised the hospitality extended to him and described the engagement as an honor, while reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. His remarks reflected a broader diplomatic message: Ethiopia remains a key partner for the United States in addressing security challenges that extend beyond national borders.
General Anderson, for his part, emphasized joint efforts to preserve and enhance regional peace, particularly in countering threats posed by Al Shabaab and ISIS affiliated militant groups. These threats continue to destabilize parts of East Africa, making cooperation with capable regional actors essential to U.S. security objectives.
Ethiopia’s role in this context is central. With one of the largest and most experienced defense forces in Africa, and a history of contributing to peacekeeping and counterterrorism operations, the country is widely seen in Washington as a cornerstone of regional stability. U.S. engagement with Ethiopia is therefore not limited to bilateral interests, but extends to the wider goal of stabilizing the Horn of Africa, a region critical to global trade routes and international security.
This growing alignment is closely linked to the political and institutional reforms undertaken since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power. His reformist agenda has reshaped Ethiopia’s international standing, opening diplomatic space for renewed partnerships with Western allies while prioritizing national sovereignty and regional cooperation. Security sector reforms, diplomatic re engagement, and efforts to balance internal stability with regional responsibilities have all contributed to rebuilding trust with key partners, including the United States.
The aviation expo visit, while symbolic, reflects a deeper shift in U.S. Ethiopia relations. It illustrates how security cooperation, defense dialogue, and diplomatic engagement are converging, positioning Ethiopia as a preferred partner for Washington in its efforts to promote peace and counter extremism in the Horn of Africa.
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