Please meet H.E. Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, a career diplomat, who is the State Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her Excellency previously served as Ambassador Extra-Ordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Canada. She served at the headquarters and on missions in different capacities. We sat down with her for an exclusive interview regarding the first Ethiopian Diplomatic Week due to be held from January 11- February 02, 2024. Enjoy!
What is the purpose of the Ethiopian Diplomatic Week and Exhibition?
I’m grateful for the opportunity The Ethiopian Herald provided me. The purpose of the Ethiopian Diplomatic Week and Exhibition dubbed as “From an African Hub to the World,” is of course manifold. But the major ones would be to highlight the diplomatic feats and challenges of the past, reflect on the current Ethiopia’s diplomatic path, and to give a picture of what the future holds for our diplomatic activities.
The foreign relations of Ethiopia during ancient times were much influenced by trade, culture, and religion, as well as security issues. In the modern era, the scale of Ethiopia’s foreign relations was expanded to adopt the technology of the day. Today, we ultimately envision creating a prosperous Ethiopia. We’re working diligently to safeguard our national interest. Also at the center of our diplomatic undertaking is ensuring the provision of citizen-centered diplomatic services at our missions abroad.
To cut a long story short, the events have chronicled not only the last 116 years of Ethiopia’s diplomatic journey carried out since the establishment of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs but it also exhibits the ancient diplomatic engagements of the country. We have much to learn from the past and current endeavors and can use the lessons emulated as a springboard for the future diplomatic course. To be honest, the last one, future diplomacy, is not that predictable given the ever-evolving technology and diplomatic landscape. Otherwise, we have laid the foundation to embrace the next generation of diplomacy.
How do you explain the theme, ‘From an African Hub to the World’?
The theme, “From an African Hub to the World,” demonstrates the diplomatic stature of Ethiopia then and now. Ethiopia, as an ancient state that safeguarded its sovereignty and territorial integrity, has served as a beacon of freedom for Africans, if not for the entire oppressed people.
Ethiopia was the only independent African country that was represented in the League of Nations. It also became a founding member of the UN in 1945. The Economic and Social Council of the UN established the UNECA and Ethiopia has hosted this prestigious organization ever since.
What is more, the unity of Africa could have been farfetched had it not been for the role Ethiopia played in bridging the gulf between the Casablanca and Monrovia groupings. The heads of state and governments of Africa decided to headquarter the OAU in Addis Ababa in 1963. Later generations of African leaders have taken a similar decision, headquartering the AU in the diplomatic hub of Africa, Addis Ababa. Ethiopia hosts a large number of foreign missions and international organizations.
These and other salient issues position Ethiopia to be the hub of Africa. This is not to mention the pan-African airline that connects Africans among themselves and with the rest of the world. Our profound role in establishing and leading the IGAD is quite notable. IGAD has now become an important regional force in Africa and around the world. Ethiopia is also fulfilling its international responsibilities by participating in peacekeeping missions. We spearheaded the climate negotiation representing Africa and are also setting an example for the world by planting over 32.5 billion seedlings in just five years. Therefore, our foreign relations create positive impressions in our region, continent, and the planet.
What are the major contents of the exhibition and the accompanying panel discussion?
The contents are diverse, engaging, and informative, to say the least. We have made thorough preparations to effectively demonstrate the 116 years of the Ethiopian diplomatic journey. Besides, we have made efforts to highlight what future diplomacy will look like. The storyline of the exhibition starts with Ethiopia’s diplomatic activities during the Common Era.
The pinnacle of Ethiopia’s foreign relations and the challenges encountered during ancient times are both highlighted. The diplomatic feats and challenges that Ethiopia has been through are presented in a variety of ways. There is also a children’s quarter furnished in a ‘learn and have fun’ fashion. Ethiopia’s modern foreign relations, which of course ensued with the triumph of Adwa are arranged in three categories: bilateral relations, multilateral relations, and the future diplomacy. Seasoned Ethiopian diplomats and scholars would also take part in the panel discussion on various topics.
What do you like to tell the diplomatic and international community based in Addis Ababa as well as the diaspora community that would come home as a result of the national call?
The exhibition is open from January 11 to February 1 / 2024. The event creates a unique opportunity for the members of the diplomatic and international community based in Addis Ababa. Hence, I feel honored to invite members of the community to come to the Ethiopia Science Museum and learn the country’s diplomatic history.
Indeed, we’re calling the second-generation diaspora community to get connected to their origins. It is an important opportunity for them to learn about their country. We have quite awe-inspiring displays, captivating and diverse presentations, and rich contents. Hence, the new generation of the diaspora community would walk through the Ethiopian diplomatic path, which would seal a lasting memory in their minds.
Fortunately, this is a peak tourist season in Ethiopia. We will soon mark the UNESCO-registered Timkat festival (The commemoration of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the hands of Johan the Baptist). And tourists from around the world would attend this absorbing event. And the exhibition would add yet another rewarding experience for them. It is incumbent upon all of us to inform tourists to include the exhibition in their itineraries.
Thanks Excellency.
BY WORKU BELACHEW
The Ethiopian Herald JANUARY 7 / 2024
