Ethiopia and France, sharing a diplomatic history spanning 129 years, have officially elevated their comprehensive cooperation and partnership to a strategic level. This enduring friendship has grown increasingly robust through frequent high-level exchange visits and bilateral discussions initiated during Ethiopia's reform period. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) signaled the importance of this relationship in October 2018 when he selected France as the first destination of his European working visit. During that landmark meeting, he and President Emmanuel Macron reached a consensus to collaborate on critical global agendas, including counter-terrorism and climate change.

The diplomatic momentum continued just five months later in March 2019, when President Macron conducted a two-day official visit to Ethiopia to sign several multi-sectoral cooperation agreements. A notable highlight of this partnership is France's commitment to providing both technical expertise and financial support for the restoration of the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, a site President Macron toured personally. Furthering this engagement, Prime Minister Abiy returned to France in February 2023 to consult with President Macron on deepening trade and investment ties, a move that has led to the flourishing economic connection seen today.

Current data indicates that numerous French companies are now active across various Ethiopian investment sectors, generating thousands of local jobs. The trade relationship is characterized by Ethiopia’s export of agricultural products, specifically coffee, while France primarily provides essential transport equipment and medical supplies. Beyond trade, the two nations have solidified their cooperation through agreements in civil aviation, air transport, and infrastructure development, areas where they continue to collaborate actively to drive mutual growth.