Go south! – The establishment of Hungarian–Ethiopian diplomatic relations in 1959-1960

Abstract In the mid-1950s, Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made an effort to break free isolation brought about by military defeat and communist takeover after WWII. One main priorities foreign policy was developing world, including Africa. Although revolution subsequent reprisals 1956 temporarily halted opening up, at end decade Hungary launched a new diplomatic offensive. Ethiopia, which symbolized African independence power, among targets. spite setbacks challenges, thanks determination diplomats, Hungarian-Ethiopian relations were normalized in 1959–60. This paper examines this process analyzing documents from National Archive explains why establishing connections proved valuable both parties.