Khaberni - The "Libangate" site revealed the minutes of a sensitive meeting between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, which discussed several regional files, including Ethiopian-Emirati relations and their implications on the Sudanese crisis and regional security.
According to the site, Riyadh requested a meeting in Saudi Arabia with Abiy Ahmed to discuss important files, but Addis Ababa sent its Foreign Minister, Gideon Timotheus, who visited Riyadh on February 2, 2026.
During the meeting, the Saudi side raised questions about the nature of the strategic relations between Ethiopia and the UAE, mentioning their reflections on the Sudanese scene. Riyadh requested, according to the minutes, a reevaluation of the level of these relations in light of regional developments.
For his part, the Ethiopian minister affirmed that his country views its foreign relations from a sovereign perspective, noting that its relations with the UAE are based on a strategic partnership established for years, and that Addis Ababa looks forward to positive and balanced relationships with all parties, including Saudi Arabia.
He noted that he would convey the Saudi perspective to the Ethiopian Prime Minister.
According to the site, no subsequent position was issued by Abiy Ahmed, and Addis Ababa informed the Saudi side that what was expressed by its foreign minister represents Ethiopia’s official stance.
Subsequent Developments
The minutes mentioned that the next phase witnessed economic measures by the Saudi side related to the movement of goods, while Addis Ababa officially maintained silence.
Late, a direct meeting was held in Addis Ababa on February 10, 2026, between Abiy Ahmed and the Saudi foreign minister, where bin Farhan re-raised the Saudi concerns related to developments in Sudan, and what Riyadh considers regional implications affecting the security of the region.
The Discussion on Sudan
During the meeting, a candid discussion took place about the nature of the stance on the Sudanese crisis. Abiy Ahmed, according to the minutes, explained that his country views the developments in Sudan from the perspective of its direct national security, and that its positions stem from its own assessment of risks and threats in its geographical surroundings.
In contrast, the Saudi minister emphasized that the Kingdom views the Sudanese crisis within a broader context linked to its regional security and alliances, including coordination with Egypt.
The Relationship with the UAE
The discussion also addressed Ethiopian-Emirati relations. Abiy Ahmed, according to the minutes, confirmed that the relationship with Abu Dhabi is based on mutual trust and cooperation, and that it is a sovereign relationship that targets no party.
He also pointed out that he is mindful of maintaining balanced relationships with all Arab countries, and that Ethiopia takes into account the stability of the region and the interests of its partners.
Message to the Saudi Leadership
According to the site, Abiy Ahmed carried a message to the Saudi Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, affirming that Ethiopia is keen on the stability of Sudan and the region, and that it deals with regional files from the standpoint of protecting its national security, without targeting any country.
He also emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue and coordination between Riyadh and Addis Ababa to avoid any misunderstanding, affirming that differences in viewpoints do not necessarily imply a conflict in strategic interests.
The meeting concluded, according to the published minutes, with mutual confirmation on conveying the messages to the leaderships, while keeping communication channels open.
