Pres. Herzog meets Ethiopian PM and president, hails historical ties and ‘huge potential’

As the Jewish world prepares for Purim – a holiday marking its ties to ancient Persia – President Isaac Herzog arrived in another country with Biblical ties: Ethiopia. Herzog's meetings today with the Ethiopian prime minister and president signaled a diplomatic push following the country’s growing momentum in regional affairs.

The Israeli President’s spokesperson described the visit as “a significant milestone in deepening cooperation between Israel and Ethiopia, as well as broader engagement with African nations,” noting that the nation’s capital city hosted the African Union Summit last week.

After meeting Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed, Herzog wrote on 𝕏 that their relations hold “huge potential,” highlighting Israel's ongoing efforts to “deepen ties with countries across Africa.” That broader push includes Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland, with whom neighboring Ethiopia is cooperating closely for access to the Red Sea port of Berbera.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed meets with Israeli President @Isaac_Herzog. #PMOEthiopia pic.twitter.com/gqX1RL8DrS

— Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) February 25, 2026

“The relationship between our peoples is woven deep into the pages of history and human tradition,” Herzog said to President Taye Atske Selassie in their meeting. “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.” 

Herzog’s words were as relevant to today’s bilateral cooperation as they were to the exchange between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba in 1 Kings 10 and 2 Chronicles 9. 

The exchange began with her journey to ancient Israel in pursuit of King Solomon’s wisdom – bearing gold, spices, and precious stones – and concluded with the King answering her every question and granting her all she desired from his royal bounty. 

Ethiopian tradition claims that the nation’s Solomonic dynasty began with Menelik I, the legendary son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, as mentioned in the national epic Kebra Nagast.

התרגשתי לפגוש כעת את מנהיגי הקהילה היהודית באתיופיה יחד עם שגריר ישראל באתיופיה אברהם נגוסה @AmbAvrahamN .

סיפורה הייחודי של יהדות אתיופיה - מימי שלמה המלך ועד תחייתו המחודשת של העם היהודי בארצו - הוא חלק בלתי נפרד מהקשר העמוק שבין שתי מדינותינו.

אנו גאים מאוד ביוצאי אתיופיה… pic.twitter.com/1wnbjAzdMu

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) February 25, 2026

Highlighting the "unique story of Ethiopian Jewry" dating back to King Solomon, Herzog attended a gathering with the local Jewish community, known as Beta Israel.

"The immigration of Ethiopian Jews to Israel is one of the most moving chapters in the modern Return to Zion," Herzog said, describing the Aliyah as "an expression of deep faith and a multi-generational longing for Jerusalem."