DPM & FM Demeke praises ambassadors, diplomats for immense commitment to preserve Ethiopia’s interests

Addis Ababa, December 26, 2022 (FBC) – The annual performance evaluation and planning retreat of senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia kicks off in Sululta today at the African Leadership Academy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, delivered opening remarks, highlighting the internal and external challenges that tested Ethiopia’s diplomacy.

He cited the conflict in the country’s north, negotiations on the construction and filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and Ethiopia-Sudan border conflicts as illustrations.

“Our ambassadors and diplomats deserve praise,” he said, “since they were effective in preserving Ethiopia’s interests, living up to Ethiopians’ aspirations and the country’s rich heritage.”

Because many issues do not receive definitive resolution in the diplomatic arena, and because world geopolitics is unpredictable, he said Ethiopian diplomats should operate proactively and in accordance with the Ministry’s reengagement strategy objectives.

Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, briefed the media on the retreat’s main goals at Sululta.

According to Ambassador Birtukan, the ambassadors will reflect on the challenges of 2022 and the solutions given to them, besides laying out the core issues of engagement in the upcoming year.

She also mentioned the visits last week to over 10 institutions in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu that were designed to show the fruits of the reform process and reveal what is expected of the ambassadors in augmenting the capacity of some of the institutions.

The opening program of the retreat, which will be held for two consecutive weeks, was attended by State Ministers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Ambassador Tesfaye Yilma, Heads and Deputy Heads of Missions, Directorate Generals, and leadership of institutions affiliated with the Ministry.