Read A WEEK IN THE HORN OF AFRICA for the latest news from Ethiopia.

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INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS IN ETHIOPIA

Meles to Attend G8 Summit in Italy

Addis Ababa, June 23, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi is to attend the G8 Summit to be held in Rome, Italy representing the African continent, a senior Ethiopian government official disclosed. Read more

Second largest flower farm in Ethiopia inaugurated, exporting 17 varieties of flowers

Addis Ababa, June 22, 2009 (Addis Ababa) -The second largest flower farm around Woliso town of Oromia State, which is owned by an Indian business company, Surya Blossoms, was officially inaugurated on Sunday. Read more

Council of Ministers refers draft bill to parliament

Addis Ababa, June 19, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - The Council of Ministers passed decisions on draft bill prepared for ‘Prevention and control of money laundering and sponsoring terrorist acts’ and referred the bill to the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) for endorsement, Office of the Prime Minister disclosed. Read more

Africa should get adequate policy space to overcome current economic challenges: Meles

Addis Ababa, June 16, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has reiterated the international community to provide adequate policy space for Africa to enable the continent overcomes the current economic challenges.

Meles made presentation on Africa's Policy Response to the Global Financial Crisis and how the international community should help Africa at the 2009 UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa Management Team Meeting kicked off here on Tuesday. Read more

E T H I O P I A   A N D   T H E   U N I T E D   S T A T E S

US will continue to be important partner to Ethiopia: Ambassador

Addis Ababa, June 10, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - United States Ambassador to Ethiopia, Donald Yamamoto said his country will continue to be an important partner to Ethiopia.
The ambassador told a press conference here on Wednesday that his country is committed to further strengthen relations with Ethiopia with a view to ensuring regional and continental peace and security. Read more

Sorghum researcher wins World Food Prize

Gebisa Ejeta, Distinguished Professor of Agronomy at Purdue University, on Thursday (June 11) was awarded the World Food Prize for research leading to the increased production and availability of sorghum in his native Africa. Read more

World Bank approves 245 million USD loan to Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, June 3, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - The World Bank has approved 245 million USD loan meant for construction of three asphalt roads, the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) said. Read more

All-Africa Leather Fair to be held in January 2010

The Ethiopian Leather Industries Association (ELIA) is organizing the 3rd All-African Leather Fair (AALF) 2010 which will take place in Addis Ababa from January 20-22, 2010. Read more

An International Conference on Mathematical Research and Education
in memory of Dr. Demissu Gemeda, ICMRE 2009

The planned international conference will bring together mathematicians from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Europe and the U.S Read more from AAU Official website and/or Read the Poster

Obama sends congratulatory message To President Girma

Addis Ababa, May 28, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - President of the United States of America, Barack Obama sent congratulatory message to Presdeint Girma Woldegiorgis in connection with the 18th anniversary of May 28, a day that heralded the demise of the dictatorial Derg regime in 1991, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Read more

May 28 Anniversary Celebrated Across the US

The historic day, May 28, which effectively sealed the demise of the nefarious military dictatorship and concurrently heralded the dawn of a new era of democracy, development and peace in Ethiopia, was colorfully celebrated with great fanfare and vigorous community participation last Saturday in Various cities across the US.

The landmark occasion was observed in Washington D.C., Nashville, Boston, and Atlanta in the presence of a massive turn out of members of the Ethiopian Diaspora community. Read more

African Independence Day Celebrated

African Independence Day, was colorfully observed in the premises of Ethiopian Embassy amidst a spirited audience of Africans and friends of Africa on May 23,2009.

The annual celebration was highlighted by the presentation of Traditional African food, Music and dance, punctuated by special African songs calling for togetherness and oneness. African and Caribbean arts and crafts were also displayed on the festive occasion accompanied by the provision of African products and various services.

There were over 300 participants from Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Eritrea, Sieraleone, Cameroon, Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Togo, Zambia, and other friends from Jamaica, other Caribbean countries and the United States. Read more

HPR applies international standard working procedure

Addis Ababa, May 26, 2009 (Addis Ababa) -The House of Peoples' Representatives (HPR) applies international standard working procedure enabling opposition parties strengthen participation and the right to freedom of thought, Speaker of the House, Ambassador Teshome Toga said. Ambassador Teshome said in an exclusive interview he held with ENA in connection with the 18th anniversary of the victory of May 28 that agenda presented by a ruling government is given priority in any parliamentary procedure. Read more

Ministry, Company sign petroleum exploration, production accord

May 14, 2009 (Addis Ababa): The Ministry of Mines and Energy and Epsilon Energy, an International Company signed an agreement providing to enable the latter explore and produce petroleum in Tigray and Amhara Regional States. Read more

Minister: America’s support for Ethiopia’s human resource development encouraging

May 14, 2009 (Addis Ababa): America’s support for Ethiopia’s human resource development program is praiseworthy, said Water Resource Minister Asfaw Dingamo. The minister made the statement in Addis on Thursday at the closing of a two-week training on advanced hydrologic modeling. Read more

Ethiopia is improving in all sectors: AAESHF

The Founder and president of the African American Ethnic Sport Hall of Fame, (AAESHF) a US-based organization said Ethiopia has shown great improvement in all sectors; particularly in the area of construction. The organization held its first Annual Ethiopian Induction Ceremony in Addis last Friday for three prominent Ethiopian athletes. Read more

Ethiopia, France, sign 210 million Euros loan agreement for Wind Power Project

Addis Ababa, May 7, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - Ethiopia and France on Thursday signed a financing agreement amounting to 210 million Euros for implementation of the Ashegoda Wind Power Project in Tigray State. Chief Executive Officer of the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo), Mihret Debebe and ambassador of France to Ethiopia, Jean-Christophe Belliard signed the agreement. Read more

Embassy of Ethiopia Attracts More than 7,000 Visitors for Passport D.C. Day

On May 2nd more than 7000 people visited the Embassy of Ethiopia as part of Passport D.C. an annual celebration of Washington D.C. ’s diverse international culture sponsored by Cultural Tourism DC. The Embassy had exhibits showcasing Ethiopia ’s rich history and culture. Visitors enjoyed a wide variety of Ethiopia’s finest cuisine and traditional coffee ceremony hosted by Zebra Consulting, moved their feet while listening to a wide variety of Ethiopian music and enjoyed seeing the colorful and exotic fabrics produced by Ethiopia’s growing textile industry. Ethiopian Airlines showcased Africa’s number one rated airline along with the extraordinary tourist attractions of Ethiopia ’s antiquities. Other sponsors at the event included Emergent Global, Ethio-Green, Abol Coffee and Travel Ethiopia.

Cultural show at the Ethiopian Embassy Focuses on The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia

The Embassy of Ethiopia together with the Ethiopian community will showcase the country’s cuisine, music, art, history and culture. Taste Ethiopia’s gift to the world: Coffee. Hear and watch cultural music and try some of Ethiopia’s many traditional dances. Read more

The Ethiopian Embassy honors an Ethiopian Legendary Artist

Ambassador Samuel Assefa and everyone here at the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Washington DC express their deepest sympathies and condolescence to the family of the late Tilahun Gessesse.

The embassy will pay tribute to the great legend on Saturday, April 25th from 4pm to 8pm. All Ethiopians are invited to attend this commemorative event here at 3506 International Drive, NW Washington DC. We will have a book of condolescences for everyone to sign from Saturday through Friday, May 1st. Please join us to honor our very own legend. May his soul rest in peace. Read more

International media continue to report on the death of Tilahun Gessesse

Addis Ababa, April 23, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - International media, including the BBC and Washington Post, continue to report on the death and funeral of the late Tilahun Gessesse. Read more

Congratulations Deriba Merga from Ethiopian Airlines Journeys

Washington, D.C. – April 20, 2009 — Ethiopian Airlines Journeys would like to be the first to congratulate Deriba Merga on winning the Boston Marathon. Ethiopian Olympian, Deriba Merga, won his first Boston Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 42 seconds. The Ethiopian finished almost a minute ahead of Kenyan Daniel Rono. Merga, who finished in 4th place in the Beijing Olympics, finished first among the more than 26,000 participants in Boston. Regarded as the third-fastest Ethiopian marathoner of all time, Merga now joins the famous list of Ethiopians that have won the Boston Marathon including Hailu Negussie and Abebe Mekonnen. Source: Ethiopian Airlines Journeys Read more

Ethiopia would not back away from supporting TFG: Seyoum

April 19 (ENA) - Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin says Ethiopia would not back away from its commitment to provide capacity building support to the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia. The foreign minister reiterated his government's stand during talks here on Saturday with Somalian Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke and Finance Minister Sherif Sheikh Hassan Adem. Read more

Meles says gov't will intensify carbon neutral energy development

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has said the nation would further intensify the development strategy that is designed to ensure carbon neutral development or green development. Read more

FM: Outcomes of 120th IPU assembly expected to play vital role in sustaining economic growth in Africa

Addis Ababa, April 7, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - The outcomes of the 120th IPU assembly is expected to play vital role in creating better conditions to the growing economies of Africa, Foreign Affairs Minister, Seyoum Mesfin said on Tuesday. Read more

Meles Attending G-20 Summit in London

Addis Ababa, April 2, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is attending G-20 Summit in London, representing Africa along with other African officials, including the African Union chairperson, Jean Ping and the South African leader Kgalema Montlanthe. Meles is expected to present to the summit Africa's view on the current global economic crisis and its impact on the continent. He is also expected to forward ways out from the crisis. Read more

ETC says ready to serve participants of 120th IPU assembly

Addis Ababa, March 27 (WIC) – The Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation (ETC) said it has made the necessary preparations with a view to making the 120th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)-assembly to be held here next week successful. ETC corporate communication division manager, Abdurahim Ahmed told WIC that the corporation has made the necessary preparations to provide efficient telecom services to participants of the assembly coming to Ethiopia. Read more

United States will keep its strong relations with Ethiopia under new administration
Ambassador Yamamoto

Addis Ababa, February 25, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - United States will keep its strong relations with Ethiopia under its new president and administration, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Donald Yamamoto said on Tuesday. Ambassador Yamamoto told journalist at the embassy in Addis Ababa that Ethiopia has been the most important country for the U.S. during the Bush administration and, he said, America wants to continue that. Read more

Ethiopian AGOA Exports show over 100% annual increase in 2008

Addis Ababa, February 25, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - Continuing a trend of accelerated growth, Ethiopian exports to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2008 more than doubled from 2007, US embassy said. From January to December 2008, Ethiopia’s AGOA exports reached 18 million USD, surpassing 8.9 million USD during the 2007 calendar year, according to a statement circulated by USAID while US Ambassador Donald Yamamato held round table discussion with journalists on Tuesday. Read more

Ministry enlists 110 potential foreign investors

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has enlisted 110 potential foreign investors through promoting trade and investment opportunities of Ethiopia in 12 various countries. Planning, Budget and Finance Acting Director of the Ministry, Gebremicael Gebretsadik said that the investors from Brussels, New Delhi, Jeddah, Telaviv, Rome, Moscow, Los Angels, Washington, Kairo, Beijing and London were recruited through various Ethiopian missionaries over the past six months. Read more

Nigeria, Ethiopia top Africa investment index

LONDON, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Nigeria and Ethiopia topped a new index of African potential investor destinations on Wednesday, with the survey organisers saying the continent offers good potential growth even against the global economic crisis. The world's poorest continent had seen an investment boom in recent years but flows into the region are seen drying up as the global financial crisis and falling commodity prices take the shine off what were seen as promising frontier markets. Read more

NBE Says Remitance Increased by 19 percent

International Remittance Transfer by Ethiopians and foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin has increased by 19 percent over the past six months. Senior public relations officer of the Bank told Radio Fana yesterday the magnitude of the transfer from different parts of the world over the past six months is more than USD 389 Million and is 19 percent higher than that of simillar peried of the previous year. Read more

CARE USA to open its Africa Office In Addis Ababa

CARE USA, one of members of CARE International, has agreed this week to open its office in Addis Ababa. The agreement would allow CARE USA to open continental office in Ethiopia for its Global Water Initiative Program to be undertaken in East Africa. Read more

About 62000 people visit Lucy in Seattle

Addis Ababa, February 18, 2009 (Addis Ababa) The Ministry of Culture and Tourism said about 62,000 people visited Lucy, the world's most famous fossil, which is on display at Pacific Science Center in Seattle, USA. Read more

HPR warmly welcomes homecoming of Ethiopian defense force

Addis Ababa, February 17, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - The House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) expressed heartfelt happiness over the homecoming of the gallant Ethiopian Defense Force from Somalia after meeting its mission in that country. Read more

Ethiopia Marks Farmers Festival by Awarding Development Heroes

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Ethiopia on Wednesday observed its third farmers festival by awarding over 500 development heroes who were able to save from $400,000 to $1 million in cash. The farmers’ festival was held in Nazareth town, located some 100 kilometres east of Addis Ababa. Accordingly, some 522 farmers who were designated “development heroes” were awarded medals and certificates for their hard work in the agricultural productivity of the country. Their awards included computers and television sets, among others.

Saudis to invest in Ethiopia

RIYADH: A group of Saudi businessmen have planned to invest over SR1 billion in agricultural projects in Ethiopia and Sudan on a staggered schedule within next few years. The investment plans got a major boost today when the Kingdom and Ethiopia signed an agreement here to continue and expand cooperation in different sectors, especially in the field of agriculture, with the aim of providing food security for Saudi nationals. “The agreement signed by Agriculture Minister Fahd Balghunaim and Ethiopian Minister of Finance and Economic Development Sufian Ahmed will further strengthen bilateral trade and investment links,” said Abdullah Al-Obaid, deputy minister of agriculture, here yesterday. Al-Obaid said that the accord was signed on the sidelines of the Saudi-Ethiopian Joint Ministerial Committee meeting, which began its deliberations yesterday.

Summit depicts nation capability to host int’l conferences

The successful conclusion of the 12th Ordinary Session of AU demonstrates the capability of Ethiopia to host international meeting efficiently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Organizing Committee with the Ministry said the summit attracts 4,000 delegates including over 31 presidents, vice presidents, prime ministers and ambassadors of African countries. Read more

MELES CONGRATULATES OBAMA

January 21, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has sent congratulatory message to Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States of America, the Office of the Prime Minister said. Read more

FOREIGN DIPLOMATS INAUGURAL BALL COLORFULLY HELD

Washington, DC., January 21 2009 - The Foreign Diplomats inaugural ball was colourfully held on Monday / 19-01-09/ at the historic James Monroe mansion. More than two hundred Ambassodors from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America , and prominent African Americans, Ethiopians and other dignataries attended the gala. James Monroe Mansion was historic not only because the Mansion was not only the private residence of the fifth American president,but also it was used as an official residence by the president when the White House was burnt during the Anglo American war in 1814. The event was graced by the presence of Honourable congress woman Diane Watson. 2009 Grammy nominee Ethiopia born singer Wayna Wondwosen performed at the event Read more for Ethiopian Ambassador's Welcoming Remark

THE FOREIGN DIPLOMATS INAGURAL BALL SET TO WELCOME THE NEW OBAMA ADMINISTRATION

Washington, DC., January 9 2009 - The Foreign Diplomat Gala committee in conjunction with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia will host a pre-inauguration ball celebrating the inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama and Vice-President Elect Joseph Biden, Jr. at the historic President James Monroe Mansion in Washington, DC on Sunday, January 18, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 11 pm. Read more

Read Athelte Ayele wins cross country in Spain
Addis Ababa, January 12, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - Athlete Ayele Abshero grabbed a more than convincing 13-second win at the ‘66th Cross Internacional Juan Muguerza’ which was held in Spain Sunday, IAAF website said.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L   A F F A I R S
Prime Minister Meles Congratulations U.S. President-Elect Obama
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi sent a congratulatory message to Barack Obama, the President Elect of the United States of America. In his letter, Prime Minister Meles expressed his warmness congratulations on his own behalf and on behalf of the government and peoples of Ethiopia. read more

B U S I N E S S
Ethiopia to Host Major Development Forum
Ethiopia is set to host the fifth annual African World Business Congress and the IGAD Investment Forum. The event will be held in Ethiopia's capital city Addis Ababa March 3-5, 2009. read more

E C O N O M Y

Minister speaks of bio-fuel dev't potentials, prospects
Addis Ababa, January 13, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - Pointing up the existence in Ethiopia of bio-fuel development potentials, Minister of Mines and Energy Alemayehu Tegenu said, by tapping into these resources the country can not only minimize expenses on fossil fuel imports, but can also generate hard currency revenues through bio-fuel exports. read more

Ethiopia Working to Boost Leather Exports
Ethiopia, home to the largest livestock population in Africa, is working to boost its export of leather products. In the past, Ethiopia has exported millions of hides, mostly in the form of semiprocessed leather... read more