Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji held high-level talks in Addis Ababa this week with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and regional security.
The discussions centred on the escalating crisis in Sudan and broader instability in the Red Sea region, with both sides warning against any steps that could further inflame tensions.
Al-Khuraiji reiterated Saudi Arabia’s position in favour of de-escalation and stressed the importance of maintaining stability along key global maritime routes.
Both ministers underscored that cooperation between Riyadh and Addis Ababa is crucial for safeguarding strategic shipping lanes and advancing regional security interests.
Minister Gedion highlighted the long-standing historical relationship between Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia and noted their alignment on several pressing security challenges in the Horn of Africa.
He also raised concerns over the legal status and labour rights of Ethiopian nationals working in Saudi Arabia.
In response, Al-Khuraiji said that effective regulation of labour migration contributes to safer and more stable conditions for Ethiopian workers.
He further emphasised that dialogue should remain the primary tool for resolving complex political disputes across the continent.
The two sides also exchanged views on maintaining peace and stability in the increasingly fragile Horn of Africa.
The meeting concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to supporting political solutions to ongoing humanitarian crises in the region.
