Northern Ethiopia Peace Talks: A coalition of 25 international partners backed AU-led mediation, warning that renewed fighting in drought-hit Tigray would have “catastrophic consequences,” urging parties to implement the 2022 Pretoria Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement as troop-massing and drone-strike accusations continue. Diplomacy & Trade: President Taye Atske Selassie met outgoing South Korean Ambassador Jung Kang, reviewing cooperation and signaling deeper ties in trade, investment, technology, education and development. Sea Access Debate: A House lawmaker said Ethiopia’s push for sovereign sea access is economic and legal, citing major GDP losses for landlocked states and the heavy cost of relying on a single port for most imports and exports. Health Sector Spotlight: FAMSA praised Ethiopia’s maternal and child health progress ahead of WHO-AFRO discussions, while Dr. Florence Samizi and partners honored Dr. Senait Fisseha’s regional work on women’s and reproductive health. Regional Security: South Sudan condemned the killing of two Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei and called for a joint investigation, as Ethiopia also mourned the “blue helmets” and demanded accountability. Economic Reform Messaging: Ethiopia’s economic reforms and improved business climate were highlighted by a Chinese ambassador as Chinese investment interest grows. Youth & Governance: Ethiopia’s AU envoy promoted youth participation in democratic governance through an AU shared-values capacity program.