ADDIS ABABA – By way of sharing the nationwide campaign of tree planting the Indian Embassy has just recently conducted a similar program.
Launched in May 2019 by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed the campaign aims at planting 4 billion trees across the country in order to contribute to global efforts to reduce pollution, address climate change and restore natural habitats.
As per the invitation of Ambassador of India Anurag Srivastava, on 4 December, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedu Andargachew, State Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Dr. Markos Tekle and Deputy Chairperson of African Union Commission Quartey Thomas Kwesi had visited the newly constructed India Embassy in Addis Ababa. They planted trees in the premises as a lasting symbol of Ethiopia’s ties with India.
During the plating of trees, Minstry of Foreign Affairs Gedu Andargachew planted a cedar tree which lasts more than 8 hundred thousand years. As to him, the tree represents the long lasting Ethio-Indian relation.
Adding to that, H.E Gedu appreciated the initiation of Indian government in supporting Ethiopia’s plan to restore the nature. According to Ambassador Anurag Srivastava, India is always with Ethiopia to accomplish the campaign launched by the Premier. This is a symbol of our long lasting ties added Ambassador Anurag.
Earlier, in June 2019, The Embassy of India had celebrated the150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the World Environment Day with a similar tree plantation event. Ambassadors representing their countries and continents, representatives of international organizations, prominent Ethiopians like Mr. Haile Gebreselassie and Indian community associations had planted trees at the new Embassy as a lasting and evergreen symbol of their association with India.
The Ethiopian Herald, December 8/2019
BY AMBO MEKASA
