Simone Knapp @simoneknapp

It was an esteemed privilege to participate in the Austria–Ethiopia Cooperation Meeting, convened under the auspices of the Austrian Embassy in Addis Ababa. This distinguished forum, conducted under the theme “Austria’s Africa Strategy in Practice: Universities, Connector Talents and Industry as Bridges for Long-Term Partnership”, assembled senior representatives from the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, the Austrian Embassy, the Technical University of Leoben, University of Kabridahar (UoK), VFS Education Services, and prominent public- and private-sector stakeholders. The deliberations underscored Austria’s steadfast commitment to Ethiopia, evidenced through rigorously quality-assured academic mobility, collaborative scientific inquiry, and the advancement of sustainable university–industry linkages. It was profoundly edifying to observe the convergent vision for establishing durable bridges between the two nations across the domains of education, research, and socioeconomic development. Of particular significance is the forthcoming official signing, scheduled for tomorrow, of a Memorandum of Understanding between University of Kabridahar (UoK) and the Technical University of Leoben. This seminal partnership will encompass comprehensive collaboration, with a pronounced emphasis on the petroleum and energy sectors. The agreement is poised to catalyze joint research endeavors, capacity-building initiatives, reciprocal student and faculty exchanges, curriculum co-development, and innovation in sustainable energy solutions—thereby aligning harmoniously with Austria’s Africa Strategy and Ethiopia’s national development priorities. This MoU constitutes a tangible and historic milestone in the broader Austria–Africa strategic partnership deliberated during today’s proceedings. It is with considerable satisfaction that one notes University of Kabridahar’s active and integral engagement within this expanding cooperative framework alongside its Austrian counterparts. Sincere appreciation is extended to Her Excellency Dr. Simone Knapp, Ambassador of Austria to Ethiopia; His Excellency Professor Berhanu Nega, Minister of Education of Ethiopia; His Excellency Ato Kora Tushune, State Minister of Education of Ethiopia; Professor Thomas Prohaska, Vice Rector of the Technical University of Leoben; and all distinguished speakers for their invaluable contributions. We anticipate with optimism the official MoU signing ceremony tomorrow and the multitude of productive outcomes that will accrue to the enduring mutual benefit of both nations.

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It was a pleasure to co-host a World Cup watch event with the Embassy of Argentina yesterday, celebrating the friendship between our countries through sport 🇦🇷🤝🇦🇹 Congratulations to Argentina on their victory and best of luck to both our teams for the remainder of the World Cup

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Today, the diplomatic community took the first steps in establishing Addis Ababa as an #InternationalGenderChampions hub. Together we can accelerate gender equality and build inclusive public spaces. Thanks to our keynote speakers and to all who took the Panel Parity Pledge.

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Joint Local Statement on 7th General Election Day in Ethiopia 1 June 2026 eeas.europa.eu/delegations/et…

Austria has adopted its first Africa Strategy — developed in close consultation with our African partners. We are committed to deepening cooperation on shared priorities, including UN reform, to advance fairer representation and a more effective multilateral system. 🌍🤝

Our recent joint statement on the Peace Agreement in South Sudan.

Young voices took center stage at YZ Museum! We celebrated the winners and participants of the essay competition "What Maria Theresia Means to You: Personally or in Relation to Ethiopia." This theme sparked some truly fresh and powerful perspectives. We were honored to welcome Ambassador Peter Huber, who joined us in awarding certificates and prizes to the remarkable winners and participants, alongside Ambassador @simoneknapp and distinguished delegates from the AustrianEmbassy.🇦🇹🇪🇹 Thank you all! #YZmuseum #ethiopia #Austria #history #education

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Partnership b/n #Ethiopia & #EU yields tanginle results in economic growth, peace & security. H.E. P.M. Dr. @AbiyAhmedAli held productive talks with #EU Commissioner for Inter/nal Partnerships, @JozefSikela focusing on deepening long-term strategic cooperation. @EUAmbEthiopia

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A great step toward stronger partnerships, increased trade, and new investment opportunities. #EUEthiopia #BusinessForum #Investment #Partnership #GlobalGateway #InvestInEthiopia

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EU–Ethiopia Business Forum kicked off today, in the presence of Comm. Jozef Síkela; Austrian FM, Beate Meinl-Reisinger; SG of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Wamkele Mene & SM of Finance of 🇪🇹, H.E. Semereta Sewasew & other high-level leaders from🇪🇺,🇪🇹& Private Sectors.

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, this afternoon received H.E. @BMeinl , Federal Minister for European & International Affairs of #Austria, at the AU Headquarters. During the meeting, the Chairperson @ymahmoudali noted that Austria is assuming an increasingly active global role & welcomed its commitment to a strengthened & strategic partnership with Africa. For her part, Minister Meinl-Reisinger hailed the longstanding relationship between Austria & the AU & reaffirmed her country’s commitment to further strengthening this partnership. In light of a shifting global context, they underscored the need for strengthening of the multilateral system & the rules-based international order. The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding covering key areas of cooperation, including peace & security, governance, human rights, economic development, & multilateral cooperation. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas…

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Powering Ethiopia ⚡ Bringing electricity to 4M people, cutting outages by 50%, and building a stronger, smarter grid through the EU’s Global Gateway.

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At the 2026 International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum being held in Vienna, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos highlighted Africa’s unique opportunity to leapfrog to low-carbon industrial growth by harnessing its vast renewable energy potential and value addition on critical minerals. Gedion underscored the urgency of addressing systemic barriers including limited energy access, infrastructure gaps and market access while calling for scaled-up concessional finance, particularly for LDCs and LLDCs. He also shared Ethiopia’s bold commitment to climate resilient development through massive investments in renewables delivering around 95% clean energy and green industrialization, including eco-friendly industrial parks. The Minister also met with his counterparts from Austria and South Sudan on the margins of the Forum. In the meeting with the Foreign Minister of Austria, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, discussions focused on further elevating strong ties through trade and investment, tourism and renewables. During the meeting with the Foreign Minister of South Sudan, Monday Semaya Kumba, he exchanged views on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest.

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Homage to Ambassador Konjit and diplomacy, I could not agree more: amaniafrica-et.org/ambassador-kon…

FM H.E. Dr. Gedion Timothewos attended the Vienna Energy and Climate Forum in Vienna, highlighting Africa’s renewable potential, Ethiopia’s 95% clean energy, and holding talks with Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Monday Semaya Kumba. Full story: facebook.com/share/1Df9fVCb…

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@yzmuseum @simoneknapp Come and visit the exhibition on Maria Theresia and her famous thaler @yzmuseum connecting #Austria and #Ethiopia

By popular demand🎈 YZ's Exhibition "Maria Theresia: The Face of the Austrian Empress and the Grace of Ethiopian Women" has been extended until June 7th, 2026. Come see it if you haven't already, and if you have, come again and bring your friends! -YZ #YZmuseum #Ethiopia #history #education #Austria

Condolence Message by H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Tribute to Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis. I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis. For decades, she served her country and the OAU/African Union with exceptional distinction, carrying her responsibilities and noble mission with a steadiness, vision, and clarity that earned the respect of those who worked with her across the continent and beyond. Amb. Konjit opened space and expanded what was possible for women in diplomacy. Many of us walk paths today that were made more accessible because she walked them first, leaving the way paved and the door open for those who followed. While we mourn her passing, we also take pride in the legacy she leaves behind, in the institutions she contributed to building and strengthening, in her steadfast support for the work of the OAU/African Union, and in the many lives she impacted along the way. In these sad circumstances, I join the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in extending my deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and colleagues, as well as to the Government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. May her soul rest in peace. She will be tremendously missed. H.E Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi Deputy Chairperson @DCP_Haddadi African Union Commission Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas…

@MFAEthiopia Saddened by the loss of Ambassador Konjit. May she rest in peace! We will keep her in our hearts 💔

Veteran diplomat Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis, who had been receiving medical treatment, has passed away. Ambassador Konjit joined the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at a young age in the 1950s and went on to build a long and distinguished career spanning several decades. Throughout her service, she assumed major responsibilities across a wide range of diplomatic roles, making significant contributions to Ethiopia’s foreign service. Widely recognized as Ethiopia’s second female Ambassador, following Yodit Imru, Ambassador Konjit served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Ethiopia’s diplomatic missions in Ottawa, Cairo, Tel Aviv, and Vienna during her career. In addition to her bilateral assignments, she represented Ethiopia in key multilateral institutions. Notably, she served as Permanent Representative to the African Union and to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). From June 2017 to September 2018, Ambassador Konjit also served as a Special Advisor in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-led South Sudan peace process, where she contributed her extensive diplomatic experience to advancing regional peace efforts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its deep sorrow at the passing of Ambassador Konjit and extends its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.