New office building to feature Ethio-Swiss architectural arts

ADDIS ABABA– Switzerland Embassy in Ethiopia announced planto construct new office blending Ethiopian and Swiss historic architectural designs.

During a groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said that the new building is an evident for Switzerland’s commitment to strengthen diplomatic relationship with Ethiopia and the African Union.

A day before the groundbreaking ceremony, he said that Switzerland will cooperate with Ethiopia not only for bilateral issues, but also for multilateral cooperation since Addis Ababa is the third diplomatic hub of the world and the center of the Horn of Africa region.

On the occasion, Ethiopian Foreign MinisterAmbassador TayeAtske Selassie said that the new building having almost the same architectural design with historical Sheikh Khojale Palace of Ethiopia and ancient Swiss palaces, is a testimony to the growing diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

“It is also not only an indicator for the long-standing historical relationship between our two countries, but also it shows Switzerland’s commitment to do business and to do trade and investment in Ethiopia and surrounding areas,” he said. To him, his government attaches strong significance and importance to the relationship between Switzerland and Ethiopia.

“The prolific Engine Alfred Elk has helped (Ethiopia), in modern innovation in the early 20th century. He has built so many Palaces. He helpsEthiopia in building a railway and services like telecommunication and postal services. That means a lot to our longstanding historical relationship,” he pronounced.

The new building, designed with a mixture of architectural concepts of the two nations will have a footprint of the historical Sheikh Khojale Palace, located in the northern part of Addis Ababa.

BY YESUF ENDRIS

The Ethiopian Herald March 20/2024

 

 

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