Ethiopia and the Peoples Democratic Republic of Algeria have enjoyed long-standing relations for many years. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in the late 1960s, and particularly following the opening of the Algerian Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1976, the two countries have steadily strengthened a relationship based on their common interests. Emperor Haile Selassie played a significant role in mediating a border dispute between Algeria and Morocco; Algeria, of course, was deeply involved in the negotiations which led to the Algiers Agreement of December 2000 between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The two countries have been and are working closely together in regional and international fora. They hold a common understanding and a principled stand on the issue of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Both Ethiopia and Algeria firmly believe that peoples of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic have the right to decide on their own future.

 Another major area in which Ethiopia and Algeria share a common interest and a common position is in the fight against terrorism. They both hold the widely shared view that international terrorism is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. They see terrorism, in all its forms, as a global problem that has no frontiers and cannot be associated with any particular religion, culture or societies. Their respective responses to terrorism have in part been inspired by some of the measures taken by the OAU and subsequently by the African Union. Both Ethiopia and Algeria have worked together in this and in related continental and international issues concerned with peace and security in Africa, and globally.

 To further enhance and strengthen their relations, the two countries have also signed Agreements on Trade, Investment Protection and Promotion and on Avoidance of Double Taxation. In addition to this, they have also agreed to cooperate in the areas of Science, Culture and Technical Cooperation. Following from this they established a Joint Ministerial Commission to monitor implementation of their agreements. The first Joint Ministerial Commission meeting was held in April 1984 in Algiers, and during that meeting further possible areas of joint cooperation were discussed.       

Ato Seyoum Mesfin, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, made an official visit to Algeria in 1996, and exchanged views on how to further strengthen bilateral relations and maximize the opportunities existing in each state for developing areas of trade, economics and cultural cooperation. The visit had the effect of increasing the ties of friendship and co-operation to the mutual benefit of both Ethiopia and Algeria.

Both countries have also shown a strong desire to move forward and deepen their cooperation in all mutually advantageous fields, to bring the relationship between them to a new and higher level. This would serve to promote the interests of both countries and their shared aspiration for peace and prosperity in Africa.