EU Special Envoy for Ethiopia says Saudi Arabia has ‘important role’ to play in Africa

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Finnish foreign minister Pekka Haavisto, who is also the special envoy of the European Union for Ethiopia, emphasised the importance of international co-operation to bring the conflict in the Tigray region to an end. Haavisto, said it is important that the EU works with Saudi Arabia, given that it has “good relations with all parties in the whole of Africa”.

“International co-operation in this issue is very important,” he said, citing the risks of other conflicts developing in a region that already has many. At present, there are growing tensions between Sudan-Ethiopia, and disagreements between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan over the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Haavisto made a stop in Saudi Arabia and UAE en route to Ethiopia on his second mission as EU envoy mandated by the EU High Representative Josep Borrell. In his interview, the Envoy spoke about various issues ranging from Ethiopia to Yemen and more. 

For Yemen, Haavisto said that the latest Saudi proposal for peace in Yemen is “a very positive initiative,” and reiterated his condemnation of deliberate attacks by the Houthis on civilians in Yemen and in Saudi Arabia. The discussions held in Riyadh with Saudi officials also explored the possibility of a period of calm in Yemen during Ramadan. 

“I think it should be a united common message from the international community to also bring Houthis to the negotiation tables. We shouldn’t accept additional violence, and particularly people should think about the civilians and the fate of the civilians in Yemen.”

Haavisto also said that the EU was closely following Vision 2030 and the reforms in Saudi society. The EU team and Saudi officials agreed to keep exchanging views on developments as well as explore future possibilities for closer co-operation. Haavisto said he sees plenty of possibilities for the Kingdom and the EU to work together. He said that there was a lot in common things in the private sectors and a lot of common interest to be developed there.

 

Source: commonspace.eu with Arab News (Riyadh). 
Picture: Finnish diplomat Pekka Haavisto, appointed as EU Envoy for Ethiopia. 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.  

Popular

Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.