Italy and Ethiopia - Old Ties Renewed - Carmelo Spiccia - September 1971

Carmelo Spiccia

Ethiopia is a Western-oriented kingdom in an area of nations generally hostile or passive toward Christian Europe. It should come as no surprise that Italy, the rest of Christian Europe and the Vatican are keenly interested in this Afro-Christian nation. Ethiopia - the home of the "black Jew," the only Christian nation in Africa, the domain of the venerable emperor, Haile Selassie, who claims to be "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah." To many people Ethiopia is an enigma, to others it is merely a name in the geography books. To the nation of Italy, however, it has always been an area of intense interest. This interest was heightened by the visit of Ethiopia's emperor, Haile Selassie, to Rome in late 1970. Selassie's visit was very well received by Italian officials and public alike. Relations between the two nations have generally been close although not always cordial. During the period that Italy was establishing colonies in Africa, a treaty of friendship and cooperation was negotiated between Italy and Ethiopia. - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library