For many centuries in the past Ethiopia had been known to the outside world by the name Abysinia. The term “Ethiopia” is of Greek origin and in classic times used as a generic and rather diffused designation for Africa, south of the Sahara.

This exogenic imagination of the outsiders towards Ethiopia, a country watered by the four major rivers (the Blue Nile, Awash, Omo & Genale) and one of the oldest states in the world has for long times inspired the thoughts of travelers and geographers.

Also due to its geopolitical location i.e. transversing the two continents, Africa and Asia, Ethiopia has also been the center of attention in all times, before and after the establishment of modern diplomatic practices.

In the recent history of the country, different regional lords and Kings (specially Tewodros and Yohannes) before Emperor Minilik, were communicating with the outside world through missionaries and envoys.

Later in 1907 G.C., the formal foundation of the present day ministries in Ethiopia has been laid down by the formation of the first Cabinet of Emperor Minilik.

Among the Twelve Ministries of Minilik’s First Cabinet headed by the old palace officials, Ministry of Commerce and Foreign Affairs was the ever-existed Diplomatic Institution of Ethiopia. Upon its formation, the Ministry had been led by Neggadras (Leader of Merchants) Hayle-Giorgis wolde- Michael. A number of officials have served the country since Minilik's time as Foreign Ministers and the following is their lists.

List of Ethiopian Foreign Ministers Since 1907 G.C.

1. H.E. Negadras Haile Giorgis W/Michael (Later on Bitwoded)
   1907-1910 the First Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia
2. H.E. Negadras Yigezu Behabte
   1910-1911 Minister of Foreign Affairs
3. H.E. Fitawrari Habte Giorgis Dinegde
   1912 Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs
4. H.E. Dejazmach Beyene Yimer
   1912-1916 Minister of Foreign Affairs
5. H.E. Ras Mulugeta Yigezu
   1916-1917 Minister of Foreign Affairs
6. H.E. Tsehafe Tizaz Wolde Meskel Tariku
   1917 (for few months) Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs
7. His Highness Crown Prince Teferri Mekonnen
   1917-1930 Minister of Foreign Affairs
8. H.E. Bilaten Getta Hiruy W/Silassie
   1930-1937 Minister of Foreign Affairs
9. H.E. Bilaten Getta Lorenzo Mebrhatu Taezaz
   1941 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia
10. H.E. Bilaten Getta Ephrem T/Medhin
    1942-1943 Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
11. H.E. Tsehafe Tizaz Aklilu Habte Wold.
    1943-1949 Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
    1949-1957 Minister of Foreign Affairs
    1959-1961 Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
12. H.E. Ato Yilma Deressa
    1958 Minister of Foreign Affairs
13. H.E. Lij Michael Imiru
    1961 (for few months) Minister of Foreign Affairs
14. H.E. Ato Ketema Yifru
    1961-1966 Minister of Foreign Affairs
    1966-1970 Minister of Foreign Affairs
15. H.E. Dr. Minase Haile
    1970-1973 Minister of Foreign Affairs
16. H.E. Dr. Dejazmach Zewdie G/Silassie
    1974 (for few months) Minister of Foreign Affairs
17. H.E. Ato Kifle Wodajo
    1975-1977 Minister of Foreign Affairs
18. H.E. Dr. Feleke GedleGiorgis
    1977-1983 Minister of Foreign Affairs
19. H.E. Col. Goshu Wolde
    1983-1986 Minister of Foreign Affairs
20. H.E. Col. Berhanu Bayih
    1986-1989 Minister of Foreign Affairs
21. H.E. Ato Tesfaye Dinka.
    1989-1991 Minister of Foreign Affairs
22. H.E. Ato Tesfaye Tadesse
    1991 (One month) Minister of Foreign Affairs
23. H.E. Ato Seyoum Mesfin
    1991- to date Minister of Foreign Affairs

According to the present Organizational Structure the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has a Minister, a State Minister, Eleven General Directorates and 37 Diplomatic Missions abroad.

Powers and Responsibilities of the Ministry

As stated in the Proclamation No. 4/1995 which defines the powers and duties of the Executive Organs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the following powers and responsibilities.

1. Based on studies undertaken on the country’s foreign relations, formulates and submits to the government policy guidelines on foreign affairs and, upon approval, follows up their implementation.
2. In consultation with the concerned organs, negotiates and signs treaties and agreements that Ethiopia enters into with other states and international organizations which are approved by the Government, except insofar as such power is specifically given by law to another organ, and effects all formalities of ratification of treaties and agreements.
3. Coordinates all relations of other government organs with foreign states and international organizations.
4. Keeps contacts, as may be necessary, with foreign diplomatic and consular representatives in Ethiopia as well as with representatives of international organizations with a view to facilitating the protection of mutual interests.
5. Coordinates and supervises the activities of Ethiopia’s diplomatic and consular missions, and offices of the permanent representatives of Ethiopia to international organizations.
6. Ensures the enforcement of rights and obligations arising from treaties and agreements signed by the Ethiopian Government except, insofar, as specific power has legally been delegated to another organ.
7. Registers and keeps all authentic copies of international treaties and agreements concluded between Ethiopia and other states or international organizations.
8. Performs the functions of a depository of multilateral treaties and agreements when the Ethiopian Government is such a depository.
9. Ensures the privileges and immunities of foreign diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations under the international laws and treaties to which Ethiopia is a party.
10. In cooperation with the appropriate organs, safeguards the interests and rights of the country, and ensures that they are respected by foreign States and that the interests and rights of Ethiopian nationals abroad are protected.
11. Ensures that good neighborly relations with neighboring countries are strengthened.
12. Issues diplomatic passports and in cooperation with the appropriate organs, carries out,  matters regarding persons who apply for political asylum and Ethiopian nationality.