Deputy PM highlights importance of culture, art festivals in reshaping image of East Africa

Addis Ababa, May 24, 2022 (FBC) – Ethiopia has finalized preparations to host the East African Culture and Art Festival from June 14-18, 2022.

Ministry of Culture and Sports has consulted with all stakeholders on the preparations underway ahead of the festival in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen.

In his opening remarks, Demeke highlights significance of the festival in promoting peace, fostering shared cultural values and enhancing people-to-people relations in countries of the region.

Saying that the peoples of the region are inextricably interlinked with racial backgrounds, culture, history and future destiny, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister stressed need to reshape image of the region through concerted efforts live cultural and artistic festivals.

Cultural and artistic festivals have a power to reshape image of the region which is marred by conflict and drought, he stressed. Saying Ethiopia has put greater importance for relationship with neighboring countries, Demeke stressed need to consolidate efforts in the cultural diplomacy sector to this effect.

“The region is known not only for athletics, it is rich in culture and art,” Demeke underlined, calling for continued efforts to enhance people to people ties in the region to better utilize cultural, historical and natural resources for mutual benefit.