Emperor Haile Selassie I and Portugal: Reuniting Ancient Christian Alliances– Portugal — A Legacy of Early African-European Relations

Portugal holds a unique place in Ethiopian history.
It was one of the first European nations to establish diplomatic, religious, and military ties with Ethiopia — reaching back to the 16th century, when Portuguese envoys and Jesuit missionaries arrived to assist Ethiopia against external threats.

When Emperor Haile Selassie I visited Portugal during his post-World War II diplomatic missions, it was not just a state visit.
It was a symbolic reunion of two nations that had once stood together as Christian allies in a changing world.

The Historic Visit

Haile Selassie’s visit to Portugal occurred in the context of Ethiopia’s diplomatic tours of Europe during the 1950s and 1960s.
He was warmly received by the Portuguese President Craveiro Lopes (and later during the era of President Américo Tomás).
The visit included official receptions, military parades, religious ceremonies, and cultural tours.

Themes of the Visit

Ancient Christian Ties:
Ethiopia and Portugal shared one of the oldest intercontinental Christian alliances in history.
Defense of Sovereignty:
Both nations had defended their independence against larger imperial forces across the centuries.
Cultural Recognition:
The visit honored the historic Portuguese role in Ethiopia’s past struggles — such as assistance during the battle against the Adal Sultanate in the 16th century.

Haile Selassie referenced the shared history of faith, resilience, and friendship in his speeches, emphasizing the importance of remembering ancient alliances in a modern world.

Significance of the Visit

Restoration of Friendship:
The visit renewed a centuries-old bond between Ethiopia and Portugal.
Cultural Legacy Revived:
Historic links between the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Portuguese Catholic missions were revisited with respect and recognition.
Diplomatic Expansion:
Ethiopia continued to assert itself as an equal partner among European states, not a colonial subject.

Cultural Highlights

During his stay:

Haile Selassie visited Lisbon’s historic sites, including Jerónimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
Military honors were rendered, recognizing Ethiopia as a fellow sovereign nation.
Discussions centered around cultural cooperation, education, and international peace efforts.

Ethiopia’s Global Role Strengthened

Through his visit to Portugal:

Haile Selassie projected Ethiopia’s image as a protector of ancient Christian civilization in Africa.
He reminded the world that Ethiopia had long-standing diplomatic relationships rooted in history, honor, and mutual respect — not colonial subjugation.

Final Reflection

In Portugal — a country whose navigators once crossed oceans seeking allies — Emperor Haile Selassie I stood as a living testament to Africa’s ancient connections with Europe.
Their renewed friendship showed the enduring power of faith, alliance, and shared human history across continents.

It was not just the meeting of two nations, but the reunion of two ancient friends who had once shaped the destiny of an empire together.