The Annual Conference of Ambassadors’, Consul Generals’ and Director General’s which was kicked off on August 31st in Addis Ababa has continued with more lively discussions, deliberations and debates in Hawassa, the capital of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Tamene Tessema from the Cabinet Office of SNNP’s Regional Bureau conveyed the message of the President of the Region stating Ethiopia’s growing Foreign Direct Investment scheme, outstanding role in regional as well as Global peace keeping operations and its significant activities in areas of climate change unequivocally signifies that the activities of the Ministry was not only in tandem with the Foreign and National Policies and Strategies of the country but also demonstrates that it was increasingly honing its capacity in enhancing the country’s foreign relations both in bilateral and multilateral foras.
Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu briefed participants on the overall performance of the ministry over the last fiscal year noting either the achievements or the flip-flops of the ministry should be evaluated against the backdrop of major national issues during the year 2016/2017. However, stated the Minister, the unrest in some parts of Amhara and Oromia and the State of Emergency that followed didn’t become excuses for indecisions and inactions for the ministry and its Embassies and Consulate Generals rather sources of strength and improvements. The possible dangers that might have emanated from the major concerns over the last fiscal year were thwarted if not lessened by operating efficiently with Government’s unrelenting efforts in handling the concerns in a more inclusive and comprehensive ways with the public in and outside the country as well as major development partners and multi-lateral organizations.
Research papers on Ethiopia’s foreign relations, the role of Ethiopia at the international arena, the crisis in the Gulf countries, and other topics are expected to be staged during the Conference. Scholars are also expected to present papers on the success and challenges of Ethiopia foreign relations. Furthermore, experts from other sectors will brief the participants on the activities carried out in the country in attracting investment, tourism, export, and the progress of renaissance dam.
Source: MFA Ethiopia
