The appointment of Ms Sahle-Work Zewde as President of Ethiopia is yet another sign of Ethiopia's path towards reform and internal cohesion. Ms Sahle-Work Zewde brings with her strong experience and an internationally renowned stature as a highly accomplished diplomat, along with her commitment to peace and democracy.

Ms Sahle-Work Zewde's appointment and Prime Minister Abiy's recent nomination of a cabinet with gender parity with two strong women leaders to key positions, Aisha Mohammed as Minister of Defense and Muferiat Kamil in the new position of Minister of Peace, sends a strong signal about the Ethiopian government's commitment to advance women's empowerment.

The EU is committed to continue supporting Ethiopia in its reform endeavours.