Addis Ababa, April 20, 2021 (Walta) – State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Birtukan Ayano, called for greater support of Ethiopians living abroad and of Ethiopian descent for the successful completion of the upcoming general elections.
She made the remarks during a discussion held with Ethiopians and Ethiopian descents living in New York City and its environs.
Birtukuan noted that the support of Ethiopians and Ethiopian descent living aboard is crucial to the success of the upcoming elections, the second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and the government’s efforts to ensure peace and stability across the country.
Organized citizen-centered diplomacy of Ethiopians and Ethiopian descents abroad to correct misinformation and defamation campaigns against the nation and the government is timely, which should further be strengthened, she said.
Director-General of the Ethiopian Diaspora Agency, Selamwit Dawit, thanked Ethiopian associations for their support 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.
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.
On the occasion, various 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, it was learned.