Ministry Acknowledges Stakeholders Participated in Ethiopian Repatriation from Beirut

Addis Ababa, July 19, 2021 (Walta) The Ethiopian Consulate in Beirut organized an event to acknowledge the contributions of Ethiopian Community Associations that have actively been involved in support of vulnerable Ethiopians during the COVID -19 pandemic and the 2010/21 economic crisis in Lebanon.

In the event, Tsion Teklu, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia has delivered a ‘thank you’ audio message to the participants.

In her remarks, the State Minister said that the media was full of horrific stories a year ago when the COVID -19 Pandemic started to affect Lebanon in addition to the dire economic situation. But now, it is silent because of the coordinated effort of Ethiopian Community stakeholders.

She expressed her appreciation for all stakeholders among which ILO Addis, IOM Lebanon, MSF Lebanon, ELMA Foundation, Freedom Fund, Global Alliance and other NGOs, Religious Institutions, Ethiopian Community in Lebanon and individuals including consulate staffs.

Emphasizing the commitment of the Ethiopian Government to protect the rights of its citizens, Tsion also acknowledged the leadership Beirut Consul General,  Temesgen Oumer.

The Consul General on his part has also delivered a thank you message. While recounting the achievement of the consulate in the just concluded Ethiopian Budget Year,  He said that the facilitation of safe and dignified return of around 6,000 vulnerable Ethiopians, provision of shelter to more than 970 citizens, mobilization of Air tickets for more than 1,368 returnees, and provision of legal service for 345 Ethiopians were a milestone in the years  concluded.

The Ethiopian community association chairperson, Diacon Behailu Getaneh; also delivered a speech urging Ethiopians in Lebanon to strengthen the Ethiopian community association which is an umbrella for all subgroups that aimed to strengthen the support to vulnerable Ethiopians in the country.

According to information obtained from MoFA, the Consulate General in collaboration with the Ethiopian Community Association awarded a recognition certificate to all stakeholders and individuals who contributed to urgent need of Ethiopian Diaspora there.