Ethiopia’s parliament has elected Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie president, replacing Sahle-Work Zewde, who has been in office since 2018.

The appointment was confirmed following a joint session Monday by Ethiopia’s two houses of parliament, the House of People’s Representatives and the House of Federation, after returning from a two-month recess.

Shortly after being sworn in, Taye vowed that Ethiopia would actively participate in peace and security efforts in the Horn of Africa, especially the conflict in Sudan.

“Ethiopia will also work to strengthen relationships with neighboring countries in all sectors," he said.

According to the Ethiopian News Agency, Taye stated that Ethiopia has signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, establishing the foundation for securing port rights and sea access.

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“Numerous activities [are] underway to prevent unnecessary diplomatic friction [which] occurred due to the MOU and counter the campaign being carried out to tarnish the image of the country,” he said.

Taye has been serving as the country's foreign minister since February.

Before his current role, he was a foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed since January 2023.

He also served as Ethiopia’s ambassador to Egypt and permanent representative to the United Nations in New York.

Abiy expressed his gratitude to Sahle-Work, the outgoing president, for her service over the last six years and best wishes to the newly appointed president.