The meeting on Friday underscored Ethiopia’s strategic role in regional security operations spanning over six decades.

President Taye acknowledged INTERPOL’s critical function in facilitating global police coordination, according to an official presidential statement. He emphasized Ethiopia’s dedication to expanding collaboration targeting terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, and cross-border criminal networks. Al-Raisi recognized Ethiopia’s 67-year partnership with INTERPOL, noting its contributions to major investigations across East Africa and beyond.

In parallel discussions, INTERPOL’s chief met with African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat at AU headquarters. Both leaders committed to strengthening institutional ties to combat transnational crime and advance rule of law continent-wide. The AUC chair praised INTERPOL’s “vital role in promoting global security and law enforcement cooperation” in a separate AU communiqué.

The consecutive high-level meetings signal renewed focus on multilateral security mechanisms in Africa. Ethiopia’s central position in INTERPOL’s East African operations positions it as a key actor in addressing evolving transnational threats through coordinated international action.