Addis Ababa, July 16, 2024 (FBC) – Russia’s ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin hailed Ethiopia for its ongoing massive corridor development project aimed at transforming and uplifting the image of Addis Ababa.
Ambassador Terekhin also appreciated Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative to combat the impacts of climate change.
According to the ambassador, the ongoing Addis Ababa corridor development project including the mega Chaka house project are anticipated to transform the face of the capital by meeting international smart city standards.
Approached by ENA, the ambassador noted that transforming Addis Ababa is paramount, considering the city’s current burgeoning diplomatic significance.
“Addis Ababa has taken the third place in the world in terms of the number of diplomatic missions being located here. It is considered to be not only the diplomatic hub, actually the diplomatic capital of Africa, especially taking into account that the African Union headquarters, UN Economic Commission for Africa also situated here as well as many other international organizations.”
However, Terekhin, who lived for many years in Addis Ababa acknowledged the past controversies on the city’s status as a political capital of Africa.
“A few years ago, there was a certain contradiction on the status of Addis Ababa as the diplomatic heart of Africa and its composition as a city compared with many of the capitals.”
Currently, Addis Ababa has embarked on corridor development activities and the city administration has unveiled a lot of newly built roads and buildings.
Acknowledging the challenges associated with corridor development efforts particularly, its impact on livelihoods, Ambassador Terekhin hoped it would certainly enhance living conditions for residents and ultimately leads them into a better lives.
“The time has come to change the mode of living and the composition of the city. Of course, any change is a painful process. I understand it quite well, because, of course, it touches upon the livelihoods of many people. But what is painful today, and what is unusual today, and sometimes even unacceptable to somebody today, tomorrow it will become desirable.”
To this effect, the ambassador expressed particular admiration for the ongoing Corridor Project and Chaka Project that are transforming Ethiopia’s capital.
For instance, the ambassador admired the recently inaugurated road near the Russian embassy in Addis Ababa in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
“Of course, we admire and highly appreciate some of these projects, especially the Creditor Project or Chaka Project, which are now being realized here in the capital city. The road passing by our embassy was inaugurated just a couple of days ago, with the participation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
It is a special reason for our pride because now when we are getting out of the gates, we are not getting into a village but a modern capital city. You may see that it is a great change.”
The ambassador’s remarks underscore Ethiopia’s commitment to progress, ensuring its diplomatic legacy flourishes alongside a modern and thriving Addis Ababa.
Speaking on the Green Legacy Initiative which was spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ambassador Terekhin the campaign has been becoming consequential to see climate-resilient Ethiopia.
He further appreciated the constructive position Ethiopia is taking regarding the burning issues of global character like climate change.
“We can mention the Green Legacy Initiative, put forward by your Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which now is starting to serve as an example to many other countries on the continent. We can see from day to day that more and more countries are following the same pace and we appreciate Ethiopia’s constructive position in different international arenas,” Terekhin underscored.
Asked about Ethiopia’s diplomatic approach and its contribution, he revealed the country’s role is colossal in founding international and continental organizations.
“No so many countries in the world where you could find which have such a glorious diplomatic history behind,” he elaborated.