Today is a day of great pride for Ethiopians as we celebrate the official handover of “Tsehay” by the Italian Government. I extend my immense gratitude to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her support over the past year in facilitating its return.

“Tsehay” is the first aircraft built in Ethiopia in 1935, under the collaborative efforts of the German engineer and pilot of the emperor, Herr Ludwig Weber, and Ethiopian individuals of that era.

In a ceremony hosted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, Italy, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been awarded the prestigious FAO Agricola Medal, according to the organization, for his vision, leadership and commitment to food security and nutrition as well as the pursuit of innovative solutions in wheat self-sufficiency in the context of fast-changing and challenging circumstances.

The Prime Minister received the Agricola Medal in the presence of high-level delegates of various countries, representatives of international organizations, diplomatic missions in Italy and private sector representatives.
For the past five years, Ethiopia has been making critical investments in the agricultural sector and pursuing wheat self sufficiency endeavors marking significant growth across major commodities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, H.E. Demeke Mokonnen, today met with the UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli.
During the meeting, Mr. Demeke appreciated UNICEF’s continued support of humanitarian assistance programs, particularly for vulnerable children.
He requested that UNICEF scale up its support for the populations affected by conflict and climate change.

UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, said currently, UNICEF is working in Ethiopia to provide humanitarian assistance to conflict and disaster-affected children.
She requested that the government of Ethiopia provide support to reach children who are living in remote areas.
UNICEF is one of the leading development actors among the UN agencies working on humanitarian response efforts in Ethiopia.

During today’s session of the Annual Ethiopian Ambassadors Retreat, various papers highlighting manifold regional and geopolitical shifts and issues of peace, security and development were presented by heads of missions, director generals, veteran diplomats as well as senior researchers from the Institute of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Policy Advisor to H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Minister, H.E. Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie also briefed the envoys on the need to protect the national interests of Ethiopia with a better understanding of the global situation and to foster foreign relations predicated on forging consensus, friendship, cooperation and diversification of partnerships.

Diplomacy is a multi-stakeholder endeavour that requires seamless synergy and cooperation among key stakeholders to achieve key foreign policy priorities, Ambassador Taye stated.
In his concluding remarks, State Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ambassador Mesganu Arga said, Ethiopia’s diplomats together with partners should champion an assertive diplomatic posture and heads of missions overseas ought to discharge their leadership duties in manner that is cognizant of major geopolitical dynamics.
Multiplying partnerships and alliances should also be the hallmark of Ethiopia’s foreign relations that is geared towards protecting and promoting our national interests, the State Minister stressed.
The discussion session was moderated by State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga.