Armenia and Ethiopia: Forging a future built on centuries of shared history

From ancient religious ties to modern diplomatic efforts, the bond between Armenia and Ethiopia runs deep. As the newly established Armenian embassy in Addis Ababa strengthens relations, we sat down with Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan to discuss the historic connections, current collaborations, and future prospects for partnership between these two unique nations. Excerpts;

Capital: Can you provide an overview of the historical relationship between Armenia and Ethiopia?

Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan: Historically Armenians have had a strong presence in Ethiopia, where they were fully embraced into Ethiopian society, and became an integral part of the country’s social and cultural fabric, contributing to the development and modernization of Ethiopia. Throughout centuries, Ethiopia and Armenia had strong sectarian diplomatic relations through the linkage of Orthodox Churches: Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and Armenian Apostolic Church, which are both part of Oriental Orthodoxy. The first written records of Armenian-Ethiopian relations trace back to Movses Khorenatsi’s (5th century Armenian historian) and Anania Shirakatsi’s (7th century Armenian polymath and natural philosopher) testimonies. The relations strengthened after the Council of Chalcedon in 451, when the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, along with the Armenian, Assyrian and Coptic Churches rejected the decisions imposed by the Byzantine Church.

The Armenian community was formed in the 7th century when some Armenians, fleeing persecution in the Middle East, immigrated to Ethiopia and settled in the area of modern-day Dessie city and built the St. Stepanos Monastery. In Habesh chronicles, it is known as “Armenian Island”, which saw a downfall in the 16th century, forcing Armenians to flee to other areas of Ethiopia to avoid forceful conversion of religion. There is written evidence of Aksumites in the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia during the 13th century. Stronger evidence for Africans in Armenia, however, comes from Ethiopia. The Ethiopian scholar named Ewosṭatewos in 1337 left Ethiopia with some of his followers, beginning a long journey that led them through the kingdom of Makuria (in Sudan), Egypt, Palestine, and Cyprus before finally reaching Cilician Armenia. In the succeeding centuries, Ewostatewos’ followers became influential in the Ethiopian church, and ultimately formed a significant proportion of the Ethiopian scholars who travelled to Eastern and Northern Mediterranean in 15-16th century. During this time, the Armenian kingdom of Cilicia had fallen to the Mamluks, whose southward expansion also led to the collapse of Makuria, leaving Ethiopia as the only remaining Christian kingdom between the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea region. Nevertheless, travel by pilgrims, envoys and scholars continued and contacts between Armenians and Ethiopians remained. Armenians have received high awards by the Ethiopian government, including diplomat Mateos (first Ethiopian Ambassador to leave for Europe), Murad of Aleppo (Ethiopian King’s Ambassador and trade representative in India), diplomats Murad Junior and Yeghia Yenovk, Emperor’s advisers Gebru Workie and Mersha Workie. However, larger waves of Armenians sought refuge in Ethiopia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, most of them survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

For over 100 years, Armenians ran big industries and businesses, as well as government departments. Due to their loyalty to the Emperors Yohannes IV, Menelik II, and Haile Selassie, they were entrusted with work in such essential government departments as the imperial mint, treasury, police force, city planning, and municipality. There was an Armenian deputy governor of the province, an officer of Kbur Zebagna (Imperial Bodyguard) and a deputy mayor of Addis Ababa. Around 50 Armenians found employment at the Imperial Court thanks to their expertise. Sarkis Terzian (1868-1915), known as “Sarkis Babur”, Emperor Menelik’s most renowned Armenian associate, was the sole distributor of guns and munitions during the battle of Adwa. Minas Kherbekian (1887-1969) also known as “Minas Bet Afrashu”, was the chief architect of Addis Ababa for many years. Kevork Nalbandian, who was the bandleader of the first Ethiopian imperial orchestra consisting mostly of Armenian musicians (Arba Lijoch/40 Children), composed the first national anthem of Ethiopia. His musical legacy outlived him primarily through his nephew, Nerses Nalbandian, who had an instrumental role in the development of Ethiopian modern music including the distinct variant of jazz called Ethio-jazz. Krikorios Boghossian and his family were official suppliers to the imperial court. Alexander “Skunder” Boghossian (1937-2003) was a prominent Ethiopian-Armenian painter and art teacher. In 1920, Matig Kevorkoff, another distinguished community member, was appointed as Armenia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia during the short-lived First Armenian Republic.

In a nutshell, the Ethiopian-Armenian community made significant and lasting contributions to art, music, trade, industry, and the government of Ethiopia, while bridging our two nations. For those interested in exploring our rich historical relations and fascinating facts about our strong bonds, we suggest reading the books authored by Mr. Vartkes Nalbandian.

Capital: How have diplomatic relations between Armenia and Ethiopia evolved since their establishment?

Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan: Recently we marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of modern diplomatic relations between Armenia and Ethiopia, although the ties between our two nations date back to ancient times. Since then, our relationship has grown, and we have seen positive dynamics, yet there is still more to be done in order to meet the expectations of our people.

We highly value Armenian-Ethiopian friendly relations and attach great importance to the development of our cooperation. In this regard the visit of Armenia’s Foreign Minister to Ethiopia in 2019, as well as the establishment of our Embassy in Addis Ababa in 2020 were important milestones. Additionally, the participation of Ethiopia’s State Minister for Innovation and Technologies in the 23rd World Conference on Information Technologies held in Yerevan marked another important step in this direction, as a result of which a MoU on bilateral cooperation in respective areas was signed.

By assigning its first resident Ambassador to Ethiopia, a position I am privileged to hold, Armenia hopes that this move will add an additional impetus to developing the ties between the two friendly nations. There is an untapped potential to further our cooperation in various fields such as education, science and technology, IT and digitization, culture and tourism, agriculture and food processing, healthcare and banking, trade, SMEs, defense, capacity building, technical assistance and exchange of best practices.

We have a good track record of collaboration within international organizations including first of all the UN. The partnership within the format of the Global Group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) is one such example. As landlocked countries we share the vision of necessity to keep the needs and priorities of LLDCs high across the agenda of the UN and other international organizations. Recently, a senior Ethiopian diplomat attended the Ministerial Meeting of LLDCs held in Yerevan. Next year Armenia will host the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). This is one of the most important global environmental conventions, regulating international efforts in the areas of environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, restoration and sustainable use of natural resources, and we look forward to Ethiopia’s high-level participation.

In our view, it is important to expand the bilateral regulatory framework. So far, we have an agreement on cooperation in the field of culture, MoU between Foreign Ministries, Memorandums on academic cooperation between Yerevan State University (YSU) and Addis Ababa University (AAU), Public Administration Academy of Armenia (PAARA) and Oromia State University (OSU), Agreement on friendship and cooperation between the city of Ijevan and the city of Dessie, as well as two MoUs on IT. Currently, we have several bilateral draft documents under consideration such as an intergovernmental “Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Education and Science”, agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders, MoU between our respective line Ministries on cooperation in the fields of IT, digitalization and innovation. Decentralized cooperation is also promising. Within this framework the mayor of the city of Dessie visited Armenia in 2022. There are ongoing talks between Dire-Dawa and Gyumri, the second largest cities in our countries, to form a sister city partnership, as well as between our two capital cities. Soon a delegation from the PAARA will visit Ethiopia to meet their counterparts of OSU.

Capital: What areas of economic collaboration are currently being explored between Armenia and Ethiopia? Are there specific sectors in Ethiopia that you believe are particularly attractive for Armenian investors? What potential do you see for growth in this area?

Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan: We are closely working with our Ethiopian partners to explore new avenues of economic cooperation. Considering vast natural resources and abundant labor in Ethiopia and expertise accumulated in Armenia we can definitely expand the scope and scale of the partnership. As indicated above IT and digitization, innovation and AI are important areas to focus on given the importance that our Governments are attaching in their relevant strategies. Armenia has made good strides to become a hub for software development, industrial computing, electronics, and production of semiconductors with the ICT sector playing a significant role in our economy due to a competitive labor force, its share of GDP, constant growth in the number of companies, total turnover, accumulated experience and capacities. Some Armenian companies are already engaged in Ethiopia, with others having interest in investing in your country’s economy.

The Jewelry and precious metal industry, as well as the mining sector are areas that we have untapped potential and can collaborate. We can explore capabilities of the Armenian jewelry industry and expertise of the Armenian Jewelers Association (AJA – first pan-Armenian professional trade Association) for joint manufacturing and training of a skilled workforce in Ethiopia. In Yerevan we have “Meridian” Free Economic Zone, a platform tailored with special conditions and infrastructures for jewelry, diamond cutting and watchmaking manufacturing companies, where AJA has launched practical training programs and Ethiopian companies can benefit from.

Connectivity and logistics, dry ports are other areas that we can collaborate with. One of the most promising directions in this regard may become using Yerevan Zvartnots International airport by “Ethiopian Airlines” for diversifying its operations. It looks beneficial not only economically but will certainly contribute to boosting ties between our peoples and businesses, expanding Ethiopian’s regional reach and Armenia’s outreach to Africa.

Capital: How do cultural exchanges contribute to strengthening the ties between the two nations?

Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan: Having a strong historical background in cultural and people to people exchanges, I am confident that Armenia and Ethiopia can further these ties and exchanges. Culture and the arts significantly shape our identity and recognizing cultural diversity allows us to foster tolerance, mutual respect and shared heritage and responsibility. Both Ethiopia and Armenia have rich cultures and shared cultural heritage to be preserved and promoted.

Last year at the opening of the 18th Addis International Film Festival our Embassy partnered with the Initiative Africa to organize the global premier of the “Tezeta” documentary movie, which depicts the legacy and life of Ethiopian-Armenians, their incredible impact on the culture of a nation, their endeavors to retain cultural identity and remain a viable community, and the role that music played in serving as a bridge between our two cultures and peoples. In last October, on the occasions of the 30th anniversary of our modern diplomatic relations and our Independence Day, we put together a concert by the Armenian State Jazz Orchestra featuring renowned musicians and singers including Ethiopian-Armenian singer Vahe Tilbian at the concert hall of the Ashenafi Kebede Performing Arts Center in partnership with the Center. The Orchestra prepared a tribute program for the 100th anniversary of the renowned French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour, reimagining some of his famous songs in the jazz genre. The Armenian State Philharmonia is interested in organizing a concert by Mulatu Astatke, the legend of “Ethio-jazz” in Yerevan, Armenia in the near future. These types of events can contribute to mutual understanding by celebrating the shared heritage and culture of our nations.

We envision a vibrant collaboration between our artists, singers, musicians, filmmakers, curators, and experts, along with music schools, cultural centers, and museums. There is a proposal to forge a cooperation between the AAU Yared Music School and Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan for student and lecturer exchanges and joint programs. Additionally, a project proposal is being drafted to transform Saint Minas (Armenian) chapel in Dire-Dawa into a museum of the history of the Ethiopian-Armenian community. We are thinking about bringing together renowned calligraphy artists of Ethiopia and Armenia (others may join) for a joint workshop, considering the similarity of our alphabets and our strong traditions in calligraphy. We have extended our expertise and technical assistance to the Addis Ababa Administration for the city’s heritage preservation and development works. With the legal framework of the bilateral agreement on culture already in place allows us to expand the collaboration in cultural exchange.

Capital: How can educational institutions in both countries collaborate to enhance mutual understanding and knowledge sharing?

Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan: Education is another important pillar of our cooperation. We are now very close to signing an intergovernmental “Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Education and Science”, which will open a new window of opportunities for our educational institutions, faculty members and researchers, students and experts. As mentioned, we have two MoUs: a Memorandum on academic cooperation between our major universities – Yerevan State University (YSU) and Addis Ababa University signed in 2021, and recently concluded memorandum between the Public Administration Academy of Armenia (PAARA) and Oromia State University (OSU). We have also developed ties with the AAU Institute of Ethiopian Studies (EIS) and College of Performing and Visual Arts.

Some areas of cooperation that can be further explored are in sectors of STEM, innovation, digitization, AI, e-governance and IT. In this context, there are two other MoUs signed between Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technologies and two Armenian public-private partnership enterprises – the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE) and Enterprise Incubation Foundation (EIF). Based on these MoUs engineering laboratories are envisaged to be established in Ethiopia to operate free of charge providing high-quality and modern technological education for schoolchildren and students who will acquire creativity, engineering thinking and entrepreneurial orientation, as well as to launch Engineering City Model in the Ethiopian Talented and Gifted Center, creating a platform for technology skills development projects, R&D laboratories, experience exchange programs, encouraging innovation ecosystem development in both countries. The exchange of teaching and research staff, as well as undergraduate and post-graduate students between our universities and other educational institutions, holding joint seminars, workshops and conferences, mutual recognition of credits, drafting joint work plan of coordinated activities, holding talks to reciprocally establish centers of Ethiopian (African) studies and Armenian studies should be encouraged. There is also potential to develop collaboration on international projects between the universities.

I want to underline the importance of the MoU with UATE, which envisages replicating best global practices in fostering STEM/STEAM (ARMATH Labs) programs in various regions of Ethiopia, integrating the UATE’s model of STEM curricula tested in the Armenian educational and industry systems.  ARMATH STEM Labs represent a unique Armenian educational initiative dedicated to providing interactive after-school STEAM education to students aged 8-18. It aims to equip students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and technological skills essential for success in the 21st century. The success of ARMATH in equipping students with in-demand skills can serve as a valuable model for Ethiopia, striving to bridge the digital skills gap and enhance its technological workforce.

I already met with the AAU President to discuss the implementation of provisions outlined in the respective memorandum and ways to further boost our cooperation. Our Embassy has been facilitating contacts between the PAARA and OSU, as a result OSU leadership recently traveled to Armenia and PAARA delegation is expected to pay reciprocal visit to the OSU very soon. While paying a courtesy visit to the OSU in Batu I was impressed with the determination of the OSU President and his team to advance the capacities and international ties of the University. We have also helped to establish partnership between the AAU IES and “Matenadaran” Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in Armenia and assisted in the participation of the IES Director in the international annual conference entitled “The Faces of Memory: The Newest Technologies of Preservation and Restoration of Manuscript and Printed Heritage” held in Yerevan in October, 2024. Taking into account the above mentioned, we can certainly state that the collaboration in digitization, research and preservation of old manuscripts is progressing. We also facilitated the participation of an Ethiopian young diplomat in the diplomatic training program in Yerevan last year and fostered connections between our Diplomatic School and the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) of Ethiopia.

Education, just like culture, provides a good platform for people-to-people contacts, helps bring together our students, lecturers, researchers and experts to share their experiences and enhance mutual understanding.

Capital: How can tourism be promoted between the two countries, and what unique experiences can each country offer to the other’s citizens?

Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan: Launching direct flights utilizing Ethiopian Airlines capacity will surely increase tourist flows between our countries. It will boost bilateral tourism including spiritual tourism, considering also strong sectarian relations within Oriental Orthodoxy, as well as important pilgrimage sites in both of our countries.

When I meet Ethiopians and they learn that I am Armenian, their usual reaction is that “you are not a foreigner/firinj”, “you are one of us” (given our strong historical connection). Next they say “we want to visit your country, see the sightseeings and first of all St. Arsema Church” (which houses her tomb). As you might be aware, St. Arsema is one of the most venerated saints in our churches. Similarly, Armenians consider Ethiopians as closest people in Africa and they are eager to visit your beautiful country and in particular Lalibela and other important sites. Armenian tourists also want to benefit from the Bole International Airport, a major air-transportation hub in the continent, to travel to other African destinations.

Armenia’s tourism industry over the past decade has been experiencing consistent growth (annual average 13%), attracting an increasing number of visitors who seek to immerse themselves in the country’s distinctive culture, rich history and warm hospitality. I know that Ethiopia has a significant potential for both incoming and outgoing tourism. Our relevant state agencies can share best practices and experiences on framing sectoral policies, strategies, and legal frameworks for tourism development, tourism resource/cultural routes mapping and resource identification to develop destinations and diversify attractions, applying AI/IT solution and digitization for tourism sector, etc. Another opportunity could be developing research-based proposals for our shared cultural heritage, with the aim of jointly registering them with UNESCO.

Mutual visits by high-level state officials and private sector executives will significantly contribute to the joint efforts geared towards further enhancing cooperation between Armenia and Ethiopia in the field of tourism, including cultural tourism, adventure tourism, ecotourism, medical tourism and rural tourism.

Capital: How do Armenia and Ethiopia cooperate on issues of global and regional stability and security? What is Armenia’s stance on peace and security in its region?

Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan: Over the past three decades Armenia and Ethiopia actively contributed to the international efforts on global and regional stability and security matters. Armenia is one of the few countries to have participated in both NATO, UN peacekeeping missions. Armenia has deployed military personnel to peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Mali. We are aware of Ethiopia’s decades-long experience in peacekeeping, which participated in many missions around the world, including in Somalia, Darfur, Abyei, and South Sudan. We know that Ethiopia is one of the largest troop contributors to the United Nations and African Union (AU) peacekeeping missions.

Given also our countries’ shared priorities in the field of global environmental and climate change issues and challenges, which have strong bearing on human security and development, we see a huge potential in enhanced cooperation between Armenia and Ethiopia in furthering those priorities.

We also see a potential in enhanced cooperation between our countries in supporting each-others candidatures to the UN bodies, especially to those in charge of global and regional security.

We want to exchange our experience with Ethiopia in peacekeeping and contribution to global stability given as well Ethiopia’s past and current membership in the UNSC and AU Peace and Security Council and Armenia’s candidacy for UNSC 2032-2033 non-permanent membership. We are also ready to coordinate our diplomatic efforts at international foras to more closely collaborate and contribute to the international stability and security, in accordance with the principles outlined in the UN Charter.

In the rapidly changing global geopolitical reality and considering turbulent developments in our respective regions it is important and useful for both sides to assess geopolitical risks and understand shifting landscapes since we live in an interconnected world of the 21st century. As a friendly country we are closely following the events taking place in and around Ethiopia. We sincerely hope that the dialogue will be reinforced and stability and long-lasting peace will prevail in Ethiopia and your region in general.

I would like to elaborate on the efforts of my Government towards achieving stability and peace in the South Caucasus. Armenia is focused on diversifying its foreign policy by building new relationships with both regional and global actors, while maintaining ties with traditional partners. This diversification includes efforts to establish a new security system and forge new defense partnerships, which are critical for our region’s long-term stability.

Our Government has introduced the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, which aims to enhance Armenia’s and the region’s transit potential, foster new connections between regional countries, and thus contribute to the establishment of lasting and sustainable peace. Armenia expressed its willingness to construct and rehabilitate all necessary infrastructure to secure transportation links along the North-South and East-West directions, as its strategic location offers significant potential for regional integration and economic growth. The “Crossroads of Peace” is a key element of the regional peace agenda. Its core goal is to develop communications between Armenia, Iran, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia through renovating and building infrastructure, including roads, railways, pipelines, cables, and electricity lines.

The “Crossroads of Peace” aims to transform the region into a hub for political dialogue, cultural exchange and international cooperation. By building mutual trust and overcoming traditional geopolitical divides, the initiative seeks to unlock the full potential of the Caucasus region and promote broader regional cooperation. The “Crossroads of Peace” is a transport and logistics project that envisions restoring railway and road infrastructure with neighboring countries. For centuries, the South Caucasus region has been recognized as one of the key international trade routes from East to West and from North to South and through this Initiative we want to contribute to the revival of the image of the region as a safe and genuine center for international trade, cooperation and intercultural dialogue. I consider it important to emphasize the principles of “Crossroads of Peace”, which are sovereignty, jurisdiction, reciprocity and equality.

We understand that the Government of Ethiopia has a similar vision for the Horn of Africa and beyond. As a land-locked developing country we also understand the constraints and needs of Ethiopia to have a sustainable access to the sea. We would like to underscore the importance of enhancing the cooperation to promote sustainable, equitable and inclusive transport systems in our respective regions and ensure unfettered, efficient and cost-effective access to and from the sea by all means of transport, on the basis of the freedom of transit.

Many international partners support Armenia to catalyze regional cooperation and prosperity, setting a precedent for peaceful conflict resolution. Policymakers can help integrate the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative into regional connectivity plans, positioning Armenia as a key player in diversifying transit routes across Eurasia. New trade agreements and encouraging private sector investment in the “Crossroads of Peace” framework would further support the initiative’s viability. We can also discuss how our two countries can work together to contribute to linking two continents – Eurasia and Africa.

In short, economic cooperation is crucial for global stability and prosperity. Armenia and Ethiopia are well-positioned to play key roles in this by fostering cross-border economic ties, promoting responsible business practices and contributing to global economic growth.

Capital: Where more focus is needed to facilitate furthering the cooperation between two countries?

Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan: There is a need to boost high-level mutual visits and enhance our political dialogue, which will help revamping our cooperation. There are important international events to be held in Armenia this year and we want to invite the leadership of Ethiopia to participate.

I believe we need to double our efforts to boost the trade between our countries. While our bilateral trade turnover remains modest, it holds significant potential for growth. Agriculture and food-processing, healthcare and pharmaceutical are also promising areas and can play their role in increasing our trade volumes. Software companies can expand their investments in production and services. Our manufacturing companies including ones in textile can do the same. Our companies should benefit from the industrial parks in Ethiopia which have been recently upgraded into Special Economic Zones. I think the same can be done by the Ethiopian companies in Armenia, where we have four free economic zones: Meghri, Ecos, Meridian, and Alliance. Each zone caters to different industries and sectors, providing distinct investment opportunities.

Capital: What are your hopes for Armenia-Ethiopia relations in the near future?

Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan: I am positive that through long-term strategic vision and long-standing civilizational and cultural ties that our nations share we can bolster our partnership. For us, Ethiopia is one of the most important countries in Africa. The relations with the African countries are among the important foreign policy priorities of Armenia and Ethiopia can be a crucial enabler to connect us to the rest of Africa. We consider Ethiopia as a gateway to the rest of sub-Saharan Africa and are ready to take practical steps to use the existing potential to a greater extent. As you know, our Embassy in Addis Ababa is also accredited to the African Union and UNECA, and to neighboring countries Djibouti, Rwanda and Kenya, as well as with the UN Agencies in Nairobi. So, we are willing to learn from the vast experience of Ethiopia in the African Union and UNECA, UNEP and UN-HABITAT and open to consider ideas on how to collaborate in launching joint projects within these organizations and with its member states with the help of our Ethiopian partners.

Talking about our plans in the near future, I would like to mention our intention to organize a business forum, which is a long overdue, to provide platform for facilitating bilateral and regional trade, fostering economic cooperation, sharing knowledge and best practices, attracting investment, building relationships between businesses and government officials in charge, and identifying potential new market opportunities, ultimately contributing to economic growth and development.

There is also a potential to boost cooperation between the Diaspora Affairs Offices of our two countries given the large Ethiopian and Armenian diaspora communities worldwide. Cooperating on diaspora issues within the African Union would be beneficial, as the AU integrates diaspora participation across various departments, partnership frameworks, and policies, including the flagship Agenda 2063.

We can build on our traditional strong bonds, develop and diversify our partnership, discover and unravel the potential that exists in expanding the cooperation between Armenia and Ethiopia.