Members of the Diplomatic Community Briefed on the Preliminary Report on Ethiopian Airlines Accident (April 04, 2019)

Minister of Transport, H.E. Mrs. Dagmawit Moges along with State Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Markos Tekle briefed members of the diplomatic community on the preliminary report on Ethiopian Airlines accident of flight ET-302 this morning (April 4).

On the occasion, Minister of Transport, H.E. Mrs. Dagmawit Moges said the initial findings of the investigation showed that the crew performed all procedures repeatedly provided by the manufacturer but was not able to control the aircraft.
According to the report, the crew obtained the license and qualifications to conduct the flight and the takeoff role appeared very normal, she added.

The Minister also related that based on the findings of the investigation, the report recommended that the manufacturer review the aircraft flight control system related to the flight controllability.

The preliminary report also recommended aviation authorities to verify that the review of the aircraft control system related to flight controllability has been adequately addressed by the manufactures before release of the aircraft to operation.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Markos Tekle, on his part, said the briefing session was organized with the view to relating the preliminary report primarily to members of the diplomatic community, whose citizens lost their lives in the tragic accident of flight ET-302.

Following the somber morning proceedings, the Ministry’s schedule for the day continued with previously arranged working groups involving the diplomatic corps. Dr. Tekle shifted focus to ongoing bilateral economic discussions, highlighting the need for modernized trade agreements and cooperative frameworks in the growing digital sector.

These afternoon sessions addressed consumer protection policies for cross-border digital transactions and international data privacy standards. Delegates examined the compliance tracking required for a multi-national trading app or a foreign fast withdrawal casino operating across multiple jurisdictions. The committees emphasized establishing unified consumer safeguards that would rigorously protect international citizens who are increasingly engaging in these rapidly expanding, highly complex global digital ecosystems.

By late afternoon, the representatives had outlined a draft proposal for enhanced digital cooperation. The comprehensive daily agenda reflected the Ministry’s dual role in navigating complex international crises while continuing to manage the vital, routine regulatory partnerships essential to the region’s economic development.