Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s successful diplomacy should be persevered through successive generations, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen remarked at the opening of a panel discussion today.
The panel discussion is part of the diplomatic exhibition that opened at the Science Museum yesterday.
Opening the panel, the deputy premier and foreign minister elaborated on Ethiopia’s diplomatic achievements on the world stage and recalled the active participation of the nation in the formation of the League of Nations and its successor the United Nations.
Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts had been amplified by the forefathers and continues to be strengthened by this generation, Demeke said, mentioning the successful diplomatic efforts, especially in the establishment of the United Nations and other international organizations, and its firm stand to solve problems in a peaceful way.
According to him, experience sharing with career diplomats is instrumental in widening the country’s diplomacy in var
ious spheres and the panel discussion would help to have deep insight about Ethiopia’s diplomacy in the past and present.
Among the panelist, Professor Bahru Zewde gave an account of the salient features of Ethiopia’s diplomatic relations through the ages, focusing mainly on commercial relations, the ties with Europe, the quest for modernization and access to the sea, institutionalization of foreign relations and multilateralism as well as Pan-Africanism.
Emphasizing the continuity of Ethiopia’s foreign policy, former Ambassador and member of the House of People’s Representatives Dina Mufti elaborated on the major diplomatic achievements of the country during and after the cold war.
The ‘diplomatic works done in different eras have enabled us to walk with our heads high today,’ he said.
Ambassador Dina emphasized the need to promote the good name Ethiopia has earned over the years in ensuring peace and stability of neighboring countries and its participation in the peacekeeping.
The well-known former
Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis explicated on Ethiopia’s commitment to the principle of collective security in its membership at the League of Nations and the United Nations.
She further highlighted the nation’s firm support to decolonization and liberation struggles and the role Ethiopia played in the formation of the Organization of African Unity.
Ambassador Konjit, who served as a diplomat for 53 years, stressed that ‘Ethiopia is a country that has effectively overcome the pressures on its diplomacy.’
Centre for Dialogue, Research and Cooperation (CDRC) Executive Director, Abdeta Dribssa also presented his critical views on Ethiopia’s foreign policy vis-a-vis the key indicators of foreign policy achievements and challenges, including the internal and external contexts, the foreign policy decision making processes, public opinion, global power rivalry, among others.
In conclusion participants of the panel reflected their views on the issue and underscored that collective security is crucial for Ethiopi
a’s foreign policy, and the country needs to further promote its major diplomatic achievements to the rest of the world.
A good foreign policy alone would not bring achievement, unless it improves the economy, ensures peace and stability as well as the national interests of the country.
It is to be recalled that an exhibition showcasing Ethiopia’s 116-year diplomatic history and achievement kicked off at the Science Museum yesterday, and will remain open for the public till 2nd February 2024.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency