On February 25, 2026, Israeli President Isaac Herzog landed in Addis Ababa, beginning his official state visit to Ethiopia.
Upon arrival, President Herzog was received by Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Dr. Avraham Neguise at an official welcoming ceremony held at the airport.
Later, President Isaac Herzog met with the President of Ethiopia, Taye Atske Selassie, at the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa.
President Herzog was received with an honor guard at an official ceremony, before visiting the Presidential Palace Museum, and signing the official guest book at the Presidential Palace.
The two leaders held an official meeting, during which they discussed strengthening the historic bonds of friendship between Israel and Ethiopia and deepening cooperation between the two nations.
President Herzog thanked President Selassie and said: “This is my third visit to Africa, and the fourth African nation I have visited as President of the State of Israel. The relationship between our peoples is woven deep into the pages of history and human tradition. At the heart of the story of both our nations lies a clear common thread - the ability to join hands, unite resources of spirit and substance, to innovate, develop, and grow for the benefit of all."
“The social fabric of Israel has been deeply enriched by Ethiopian heritage, brought by the Ethiopian Jewish communities in Israel, and as President of the State of Israel, I wish to express my deep appreciation for these cherished communities."
Later on Wednesday, Herzog is expected to meet with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed Ali, and the leadership of the local Jewish community.
Herzog's trip was announced Sunday, and it is expected to be brief.
His office stressed that the visit reflects the historic bonds of friendship between the two peoples and marks a "significant milestone in deepening cooperation between Israel and Ethiopia, as well as broader cooperation with the nations of Africa. Ethiopia is a pivotal nation in Africa and recently hosted the leaders of African nations at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa."
"Israel and Ethiopia share a long history of diplomatic, cultural, and people-to-people ties. Across generations, a deep bond has existed between the Jewish people and the Beta Israel community, with historic aliyah operations bringing tens of thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel, where they have become an integral part of Israeli society," the office added.
