The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Amharic: የውጭ ጉዳይ ሚኒስቴር, romanized: Yewich’i Gudayi Mīnīsitēri) is the Ethiopian government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Ethiopia.
The current ministry was established 23 August 1995 with the passing of Proclamation 4-1995, which also established the other 14 original ministries. The current minister of foreign affairs is Gedion Timotheos since 18 October 2024.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for conducting the country's foreign policy and managing its diplomatic relations with other nations and international organizations.
Historically, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has existed since the imperial era, but its organizational structure and functions have evolved over time. During the imperial period, the ministry coordinated Ethiopia's foreign relations under the emperor's direct supervision. Following the overthrow of the monarchy in 1974, Ethiopia went through various changes, including the establishment of a communist regime. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued its role but adapted to the new political order.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborates closely with the Prime Minister's Office and other relevant governmental agencies to shape Ethiopia's foreign policy objectives. It represents Ethiopia's interests in international arena, conducts negotiations and diplomacy on various issues, and handles matters related to international law, treaties, and agreements.
List of ministers
This is a list of ministers of foreign affairs of Ethiopia:
1897–1907: Alfred Ilg
1907–1910: Negadras Haile Giyorgis Woldemikael
1910–1911: Negadras Yigezu Behabte
1912: Fitawrari Habte Giyorgis Dinagde
1912–1916: Dejazmatch Beyene Yimer
1916–1917: Ras Mulugeta Yeggazu
1917: Tsehafi Taezaz Wolde Meskel Tariku (acting)
1917–1930: Ras Tafari Makonnen
1930–1936: Blattengeta Heruy Wolde Selassie
1941–1942: Blattengeta Lorenzo Taezaz
1942–1943: Blattengeta Ephrem Teweldemedhin (acting)
1943–1958: Tsehafi Taezaz Aklilu Habte-Wold (acting to 1949)
1953: Ambaye Wolde Mariam (acting)
1958–1960: Yilma Deressa
1960–1961: Haddis Alemayehu
1961: Mikael Imru
1961–1971: Ketema Yifru
1971–1974: Minasse Haile
1974: Dejazmatch Zewde Gebre-Sellassie
1974–1977: Kifle Wodajo
1977–1983: Feleke Gedle-Giorgis
1983–1986: Goshu Wolde
1986–1989: Berhanu Bayeh
1989–1991: Tesfaye Dinka
1991: Tesfaye Tadesse
1991–2010: Seyoum Mesfin
2010–2012: Hailemariam Desalegn
2012: Berhane Gebre-Christos (acting)
2012–2016: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
2016–2019: Workneh Gebeyehu
2019–2020: Gedu Andargachew
2020–2024: Demeke Mekonnen
2024: Taye Atske Selassie
2024–present: Gedion Timotheos



