Ethiopia has successfully concluded bilateral market access negotiations with the United Kingdom under the World Trade Organization (WTO) accession framework and officially signed the agreement.

The agreement document was signed on behalf of Ethiopia by Dr. Kassahun Gofe, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration and Chief WTO Negotiator for Ethiopia, and on behalf of the United Kingdom by Darren Welch, UK Ambassador to Ethiopia.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Dr. Kassahun Gofe stated that this historic agreement was achieved while fully safeguarding the country's national interests and policy space.

He added that the agreement further strengthens the long-standing diplomatic, trade, and investment ties between the two nations, while marking a crucial milestone that elevates Ethiopia's efforts to achieve full WTO membership to a new chapter.

For his part, UK Ambassador Darren Welch noted that the agreement enhances the longstanding economic and diplomatic relations between both countries, reaffirming that the United Kingdom will continue to fully support Ethiopia’s WTO accession efforts and its economic reforms.

To date, Ethiopia has signed similar bilateral agreements with China, Russia, Argentina, Turkey, Brazil, Japan, India, New Zealand, and Thailand. The United Kingdom becomes the 10th member state to officially sign the agreement and the 11th member country to successfully conclude negotiations.

The Minister expressed his deep gratitude to the negotiating teams of both countries for their significant contributions toward this historic achievement, as well as to the UK government for its continued partnership and support.