Addis Ababa, December 29, 2021 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen, opening the cultural exhibition held in line with the GreatEthiopianHomeComing Challenge, said Ethiopia has overcome multifaceted challenges it faced through concerted efforts of its children including the Diaspora community and continued its journey to the brighter future.
The Diaspora Community over the last year has been denouncing external meddling in Ethiopia’s internal affairs based on the international #NoMore movement. The diaspora has condemned undue pressures on Ethiopia in a strong spirit of gallantry, he underlined.
Terrorist TPLF conspired with external enemies of Ethiopia and committed horrendous crimes against civilians. The struggle carried out by the Ethipian Diaspora Community has added impetus to the international Pan-Africanism movement, he added.
“We feel proud of the Diaspora Community for its outstanding contribution for the wellbeing of Ethiopia,” Demeke underscored. Ethiopians at home have also been struggling with strong feeling of patriotism to preserve sovereignty of the nation, he noted.
“To fulfill its evil mission, the terrorist TPLF made allegiance with historical enemies of Ethiopia and committed horrendous crimes against innocent civilians in areas it invaded in Amhara and Afar Regions,” he said.
The National Defense Forces and Regional Security Forces and bravely shattered the aggression of the terrorist organization, he said. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister further called on the Diaspora Community and all Ethiopians at large to support the rehabilitation of people affected by the terrorist TPLF aggression.
Demeke further stated that various programs have been arranged in the capital Addis Ababa and Regional cities to enable the Diaspora Community to help the Diaspora Community enjoy their stay in the country.
Mayor of Addis Ababa City, Adanech Abiebie, for her part, appreciated expressed gratitude to the Diaspora for responding to call made by Prime Minister for the GreatEthiopianHomeComing challenge.
She appreciated members of the Diaspora Community for their unreserved commitment in fending off pressures, false accusations and media campaign orchestrated by external forces against Ethiopia.
“We, Ethiopians have stood united more than ever before and expressed our patriotism practically to defend sovereignty of our country,” she said.
The Mayor called the Diaspora community to buy Ethiopian products and assist the economy and promote image the nation to the world as well.
She further indicated that a visiting session aimed to promote the cultural, tourism and investment opportunities has been arranged for the diaspora in the capital.
Public figures, community representatives and government officials attended the cultural exhibition held at the Friendship Square in the capital.
The official welcoming event is part of the arrangements in line with the #GreatEthiopianHomecoming that is aimed to receive 1 Million Ethiopians, People of Ethiopian descent and friends of Ethiopia from all corners of the world.