Deputy PM calls on new ambassadors to fight misinformation through digital diplomacy

Addis Ababa, March 11, 2021 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen who has presided over presentations of 100-day plans of newly appointed Ambassadors called for proper use of digital diplomacy to thwart misinformation campaigns targeting Ethiopia.

Demeke exchanged views with newly appointed Ethiopian ambassadors to Australia, Ghana, Italy, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan and Senegal.

On the occasion, the Ambassadors presented their 100-day plan that they crafted to implement upon assuming duties in their respective missions. The plan focused essentially on political, economic, and citizen-centered diplomatic activities, among others.

The Deputy Prime Minister called on the Ambassadors to scale up the bilateral and multilateral relations between Ethiopia and the areas that they are assigned to.

Safeguarding the rights, interests, and security of the Ethiopian Diaspora and strengthening people-to-people engagements should also be given due attention by the Ambassadors, he added.

Given the current orchestrated disinformation and misinformation campaigns against the interests of Ethiopia, Demeke said the Ambassador should properly utilize digital diplomacy tools to help the world understand the concrete reality in the country.

Also present at the meeting, Foreign Affairs State Minister Ambassador Redwan Hussein stressed that the Ambassadors should create close contact with high-level institutions and government bodies to register better performance in their duties.