BY NAOL GIRMA
Ethiopia and Mexico have more than half a century long diplomatic relation. Solidarity to one another has been witnessed in times of its need. For instance, Ethiopian named its major square after Mexico since it helped her during its occupation by Italy. Ethiopians have also stood by Mexico’s side while it faced earthquake hit in 1985.
Distance and other factors must have affected their trade exchange. Ethiopia’s main exports to Mexico are sesame seeds and leather products, and Mexico trade off with landing gears, knives and electronic equipment. This amounted US$8.6 million in 2018.
The two countries’ are keen to maintain and expand this relation in the fields of international diplomacy, economy particularly agriculture and technical cooperation and other fields. Recently, the embassy hosted movie night along with Brazilian embassy. The Ethiopian Herald made a short stay with Mexican cultural attaché Rocío Rodríguez Echeverría and discussed the two countries’ historical relation and where it will be heading in the future.
Tell us about you and your career?
First of all, thank you for your time! I am currently the political and cultural attaché of the Embassy of Mexico in Ethiopia, which is also the observer mission of my country to the AU and the ECA. I studied international relations in El Colegio de Mexico in Mexico City and became part of the diplomatic corps in 2017. I am passionate about culture, especially food and music.
How do you find Ethiopia? its people, the weather and the like?
I love Ethiopia! Being at high altitude it reminds me of Mexico City, my home. We have very similar weather! I like the warmth and friendliness of Ethiopians and their passion for food and history. I am very happy to live in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Africa, and most probably the world.
Have you seen commonalities between Ethiopia and Mexico?
We share a passion for good coffee and spicy food! Tasting mitmita reminds me of the « Chile piquín » of my childhood, and tasting Ethiopian avocados, a gift of Mexico to the world, makes me feel closer to home. We both are friendly communities, proud of our mother tongues, creative and resilient. We are curious about people coming from other parts of the world and, once we make friends, we like to joke and always have a good time. We are proud of our roots and always look for moments to share our music, dancing, and beautiful traditional attires to the public.
Have you visited tourist spots in Ethiopia?
I have! My first visit was to Lalibela. It is much warmer than Addis, but so beautiful and full of spirituality. Being part of such a special moment along with pilgrims coming from all over Ethiopia was very powerful; it made me feel as part of a much bigger community. I look forward to visit Hawassa (I heard their food is amazing) and hike the Simen mountains, as I love nature.
How do you find Ethiopian coffee and its ceremony?
Coming from a country where drinking coffee is a cultural thing and something to be dine with family and friends, it is a big privilege to live where birthplace of Bunna. Mexicans have deep respect to coffee, its complexity and richness depending on the place of origin of the seed. We are also aware that it is an industry that empowers local communities and, with a good cooperative project, makes their economies more resilient.
Are there sociocultural and economic happenings you participate here in Ethiopia?
We recently hosted a great Movie Night season in collaboration with the Embassy of Brazil. This initiative, led by ambassadors Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos of Brazil and Victor Treviño Escudero of Mexico, was a big success, so I really look forward to growing film projects for Ethiopians to rediscover Mexican art through short films and movies for all ages. As the Spanish International Day approaches, we will be creating different activities to promote our language and encourage Ethiopians to learn more about it.
We are also looking into opportunities to empower youth, especially young girls that dream about diplomacy and representing Ethiopia abroad. The government of Mexico also recently launched the “This is my Mexico” art contest; open to boys and girls from 7 to 14 years old. This is an opportunity for kids, no matter their nationality, to imagine how Mexico’s oceans and beaches look like, its biodiversity and culture. We invite all children and their parents to check the call and send us their beautiful art!
There is Mexico street in Ethiopia, for the good or the bad Mexico is famous in Ethiopia. How far Mexicans know about Ethiopia?
It is important to mention that there is an Ethiopia square in Mexico City, as well as an underground (Metro) station with the name of this country. As in Ethiopia, older generations remember the friendship between both nations, but it is very important that the new generations learn more about Ethiopia. Both of us share a rich heritage worth being explored and cherished beyond the good and bad it is said of us out there. We remember the solidarity of the Ethiopian people when the 1985 earthquake hit, so we hope to continue expanding our friendship ties.
Why do you think Mexicans should visit Ethiopia, and vice versa?
I would say Mexican tourists are one of the best of the world haha. We are curious about local traditions; we are never scared to try new food and are passionate about history and culture. We love to make friends all over the world. I would invite my fellow country people to visit and enjoy the richness of Ethiopian culture. Visiting Mexico is like visiting 20 different countries in the same space.
We’re lucky to be one of the few mega diverse countries in the world, so you can enjoy any ecosystem you look for. The beauty of our beaches, of our traditions and of our cultural heritage makes it an amazing experience for all ages. For art lovers, Mexico City will blow your mind. Adventure seekers will find paradise in Chiapas, Oaxaca and the Huasteca region. Foodie lovers will surprise their senses in Jalisco, Puebla and Michoacán.
How do you see the two countries’ relation since Mexico stood along Ethiopia when its appeal to League of Nations?
I feel very proud of the displays of friendship I have seen when telling locals that I am Mexican. We share a special bond since Ambassador Isidro Fabela stood up on behalf of Ethiopia at the League of Nations. The good work that has been going on since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, 73 years ago. Mexico and Ethiopia have a strong technical dialogue through research centers such as CIMMYT, and we work together towards the resilience of our main food sources, maize and wheat. We also cooperate to develop agronomy projects through training and sharing best practices. I hope that very soon this relationship can translate into a stronger presence of businesses, entrepreneurs and cultural projects of both countries in each other’s cities. We certainly are working hard to expand our friendship.
The Ethiopian Herald April 15/2023
