Addis Ababa, April 19, 2021 (Walta) – State Minister Ambassador Birtukan Ayano said the support of Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian descent is crucial to the upcoming elections’ success second filling of the GERD, and the government’s efforts to ensure peace and stability.
She said the organized citizen-centered diplomacy of Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian descent abroad to correct misinformation and defamation campaigns against the nation and the government is timely which should further be strengthened.
The State Minister made the remarks during a discussion that her delegation had held with Ethiopians living in New York and its environs.
On the occasion, associations such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Task Force, Hope for Ethiopia in New York, and ‘Wegen Lewegen’ have detailed their fundraising and public diplomacy activities.
The Director-General of the Ethiopian Diaspora Agency, Selamwit Dawit, on her part, thanked the associations for their efforts in supporting Ethiopia’s cause in fundraising, public diplomacy, and advocacy.
Participants also discussed current national issues, the situation of Ethiopians in the Middle East, and ways to easily and regularly get access to crucial information on national matters.
In delivering closing remarks, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations, Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie commended what has been done so far and called on Ethiopians to continue their support to safeguard the country’s national interest.