Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foriegn Affairs, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen said, consolidated diplomatic engagement at the headquarters and missions level is expected to advance Ethiopia national interests.
During the annual ambassadors retreat as part of the ongoing Diplomatic Week and Exhibition this morning, DPM and FM Demeke briefed the heads of Ethiopian diplomatic and consular missions overseas on current affairs.
He said heads of missions near and far are expected to protect our national interests through diversification of friends, combatting incendiary narratives through an all-rounded and inclusive diplomatic engagement.

Diplomatic excellence must be at the heart of Ethiopia’s ever-inclusive and diversified foreign relations in bilateral, regional, continental and international venues, Mr. Demeke noted.
DPM and FM Demeke returned to Addis Ababa on 21 January 2024 upon the conclusion of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters.

A consultative meeting on the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement through public-private collaboration held today in Davos, Switzerland.
The forum held as a sideline event for the 54th World Economic Forum, has given special emphasis to the growth and accessibility of the transport, logistics, and pharmaceutical sectors in the implementation of AfCFTA.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, stated that Ethiopian Airlines has made a significant contribution to realizing integration between Africans and connecting Africa to the rest of the world.
According to Mr. Demeke, the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement needs strong commitment from governments and the private sector.
He also said, upon completion, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam would be a catalyst for African economic integration.
The presidents of Ghana and Rwanda, the Prime Minister of Tunisia, ministers, and directors of international organisations took part in the consultative meeting.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, today met with the founder and co-chairperson of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates.
The two met during the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, which is taking place in Davos, Switzerland.

During their discussion, DPM/FM Demeke said the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been an important development partner in health and agricultural sectors.
Mr. Demeke also extended his appreciation for the foundation’s activities to improve the lives and livelihoods of rural people. He also requested that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation expand their engagement in Ethiopia.
The founder and co-chairperson of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, said the foundation will continue to support key priority areas of development programs in Ethiopia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia has launched a book today that documents major focuses of Ethiopian diplomacy from 1907 to 2023.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Meles Alem handed over a copy of the book to the seasoned Ethiopian Diplomat, H.E. Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis at the book launching event today in the Science Museum.

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, present at the ceremony, emphasized the need to highlight Ethiopia’s struggles to protect its interests and the role of its diplomats since the turn of the century.
The book is said to be an attempt to document the country’s diplomatic history, which will provide opportunities to continue doing what works, learn from mistakes, and correct course accordingly.
The book, written in Amharic, provides a bird’s-eye view on an array of issues, demonstrating the ups and downs in Ethiopian diplomacy since the establishment of the Foreign Ministry in 1907.