Addis Ababa, January 04, 2022 (Walta) – The Ethiopian Embassy in London hosted a farewell ceremony for Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian origin in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland going home responding to the Great Homecoming Challenge.
Ethiopian Ambassador in London, Teferi Melese, commended Ethiopians in the diaspora for supporting their country in times of its needs, protesting undue external pressures, and discouraging illegal exchange of foreign currency.
He, in particular, appreciated the unwavering support that the Defend Ethiopia Taskforce in the UK has been doing in guarding the interests of Ethiopia and its people.
Recalling the $137,000 gathered from Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian descent in supporting various causes in Ethiopia, Ambassador Teferi reiterated his confidence that the financial support would continue to invigorate the economy and rehabilitate affected people and reconstruct destroyed infrastructure.
The Home Coming Challenge would also provide the Home Comers the opportunity to witness the reality on the ground and support efforts to change the false narratives on the situation in Ethiopia and encourage the flow of tourism to the country, he said.
Mr. Zelalem Tesema, Coordinator of the Defend Ethiopia Taskforce in the UK, said they are heading to Ethiopia to show the world that Ethiopia is peaceful and ripe for doing business and tourism.
Diaspora members, for their part, said they are responding to the government call to actively participate in the rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts.