Harnessing citizen-centered diplomatic career

The current foreign policy, “The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Foreign Affairs and National Security Policy and Strategy” was introduced in 2002. It was designed to attain the national interest of the country i.e. peace, economic development and democracy. This foreign policy was formulated based on the Federal Constitution of Ethiopia that states about the principle of external relations.

As foreign policy of Ethiopia has set various strategies in implementing the core objectives of the external relations, letting ambassadors learn in advance to realize the desired goal. Each ambassador’s role is ensuring that the foundation for the foreign policy of FDRE remains national interest.

This year, annual meeting of Ambassadors, Heads of Missions and Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is underway under the theme “Institutional Reform for Diplomatic Excellence.”As the ambassadors have a role to ensure the rights and benefits of Ethiopians living and working in the respective countries evaluating as well as equipping with up-to-date realities and directions is a wise approach.

Moreover, in-depth discussions and evaluations of diplomats with set parameters could assist on further advancing political, economic, public and citizen-centered diplomacy.Ambassadors need to understand today’s rapidly changing world and align ideas and activities with the country’s Foreign Affairs Policy and the platform is instrumental.

Since citizens are the optimum capital and great asset of a nation the diplomatic efforts should center on citizens and dealing with the cases of citizens regardless of their identity, religion or political stance. The nation has scored remarkable outcomes in revising the foreign policy. As a result many of the diplomatic missions are working in close collaboration on various national issues. This would strengthen the participation of the diaspora community as the blockade has been dismantled and replaced by a bridge.

Ambassadors should be evaluated based on the accomplishment of mission and efficiency in line with execution capacity to the national interest: attracting FDI, promoting tourist attractions, and strengthening bilateral relations with respective nations, human development, technology transfer, health sector and agriculture, among others.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its more than 60 diplomatic missions have been strengthening their capacity, increasing their resources and relying on meticulous analysis of sound facts. This transformation would enable them to implement Ethiopia’s foreign policy objectives with a clear sense of purpose and to better carry out desired diplomatic initiatives.

Efforts should be exerted to safeguard the dignity, rights and interests of the citizens of Ethiopia. To be specific labor agreements should follow up the security of citizens. They should also work hard to raise fellow citizen’s confidence and well being.

The centerpiece of Ethiopia’s new and non-confrontational foreign policy is mutual cooperation with neighboring countries in political, economic, technical and security areas. This improved cooperation is meant to eventually set in motion deeper regional economic integration mainly in infrastructure and energy.

A strategic foreign policy to move Ethiopia forward should be well executed with capable and well oriented diplomatic performance of ambassadors in realizing political, economic, diaspora diplomacy should well framed than ever before.

Hence the ministry, diplomatic missions as well as Ethiopians in the diaspora should further enhance their collaboration in realizing the foreign policy both for the benefit of the nation in general as well as the safety and success of compatriots in the Diaspora in particular.

The Ethiopian Herald, September 4/2019