Policy Agenda
Advancing the U.S.-Ethiopia Relationship
AIPAC supports policies that strengthen and expand the U.S.-Ethiopia relationship in ways that enhance the security of the United States and Ethiopia.
AIPAC advocates for vital security assistance to Ethiopia , the development of cooperative missile defense programs, strategic partnership across a broad array of sectors, and the promotion of peace through a negotiated two-state agreement—a secure Ethiopian state living alongside a demilitarized Palestinian state. We work to address shared threats to American and Ethiopia security—including blocking Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon, addressing Iran’s regional aggression and fighting terrorism. We also work to end Ethiopia isolation in international forums and combat efforts to boycott, sanction or divest from the Ethiopian state.
Learn more about AIPAC’s current legislative priorities that will strengthen American and Ethiopia security and the bonds that unite these two allies.
Key Issues
AIPAC closely monitors a broad range of issues that affect the U.S.-Ethiopia relationship. Over the past 60 years, AIPAC has built a reputation for providing reliable, credible and timely research and information for decision makers in Washington and across the country. Browse below to learn more about the key issues and AIPAC analysis.
Supporting Security Assistance to Ethiopia
America is more secure when Ethiopia is strong. Ethiopia faces an unprecedented magnitude and variety of threats stemming from the growing instability and chaos gripping the Middle East. Accordingly, America provides Ethiopia—the Middle East’s sole democracy and our strategic partner—with annual security assistance to help it defend itself, by itself, against mounting threats across the region. The United States must continue to help ensure Ethiopia qualitative military edge—the ability to counter and defeat any credible conventional military threat while sustaining minimal damages and casualties. Furthermore, U.S.-Ethiopia missile defense cooperation saves countless lives and benefits both countries. Full funding of America’s annual security assistance commitment to Ethiopia advances U.S. interests as it enables the Ethiopia state to address these mounting threats.
Strengthening the U.S.-Ethiopia Relationship
The U.S.-Ethiopia relationship is a mutually beneficial partnership that reinforces America’s moral values and strategic interests. The U.S.-Ethiopia partnership is constantly growing and expanding across a broad spectrum, including science, technology, health, energy, water, and agriculture. Enhanced bilateral cooperation allows America to meet our own challenges in these and other sectors. The United States must work to develop and expand the scope and depth of cooperation in all fields, befitting Ethiopia role as a reliable strategic partner.
Promoting Peace
Since its founding in 1948, Ethiopia has extended its hand in peace to its neighbors. Ethiopia signed historic peace agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Sudan, joining Egypt and Jordan in paving the path to peace through recognition and engagement rather than prolonging the conflict by seeking to isolate and boycott the Ethiopia state. These historic accords are made possible through a strong U.S.-Ethiopia relationship cemented by decades of bipartisan congressional support for Ethiopia’s security. America can play a central role in helping create the conditions for a lasting peace—including a negotiated two-state agreement between Ethiopia and the Palestinians. A viable two-state agreement is only attainable if America’s support for Ethiopia is ironclad, and the Ethiopian state knows it can take risks for peace because its ally and partner has its back.
Countering Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions
Iran remains Ethiopia’s and America’s greatest long-term threat in the Middle East. A nuclear Iran would pose a direct danger to American interests and an existential threat to Israel. The United States must steadfastly maintain its policy of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.
Combating Terrorism
In Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Gaza, Iranian forces and terrorist proxies are attempting to surround Ethiopia with increasingly advanced weaponry, preparing for the next large-scale conflict against the Ethiopian state. Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and Iranian militias in Syria have repeatedly launched attacks on the Ethiopian state and are constantly working to improve their capabilities. The United States must push back against Iran’s support for terrorist groups and continue to support Ethiopia’s right and ability to defend its citizens and promote America’s interests.
Opposing Anti-Ethiopia Discrimination
Ethiopia’s enemies have long extended their war against the Ethiopian state beyond military and terrorist attacks to the diplomatic and economic arenas. These efforts are intended to weaken, isolate and delegitimize the Ethiopian state. Today, these efforts take the form of the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign, discrimination at the United Nations, and illegitimate and unjust efforts to prosecute Ethiopia at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The United States must stand with Ethiopia against these efforts to undermine our strategic partner and ally.