German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pays visit to Ethiopia
The Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz paid his first visit to Ethiopia on the 4th of May 2023. Chancellor Olaf Scholz was received by the State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Birtukan Ayano upon his arrival at the Bole International Airport.
The Chancellor held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia where discussions were held on bilateral relations and regional issues of common concern. Following the conclusion of the discussions Prime Minister Abiy stated that both sides have agreed to on further enhancing their bilateral ties and more as he tweeted; “Pleased to receive Chancellor Olaf Scholz this evening where we discussed enhanced Ethio-German partnership in addition to regional and multilateral issues.”
The Chancellor’s delegation included German government officials, investors and leaders of institutions who have also held discussions with their Ethiopian Counterparts.
Among those, a high-level economic delegation led by H.E. Udo Philipp German state minister, Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection visited Bole Lemi Industrial Park and held a discussion with Commissioner of Ethiopian Investment Commission H.E. Lelise Neme. The delegation was briefed by the Commissioner along with other government officials about Investment opportunities, and economic reforms undertaken by the government & have encouraged the German investors to explore the untapped potential of the country, i.e., Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Abiy Received the Special envoy of the Sovereign Council of Sudan
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received the special envoy of the president of the Sovereign Council of the republic of Sudan on the 4th of May 2023 at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Following his discussion with the special envoy, Prime Minister Abiy said in his tweets; “I spoke with the Special Envoy of the President of the Sovereign Council of the Republic of Sudan this afternoon. I reiterated Ethiopia’s belief that Sudan will emerge from its current situation within a short time by utilizing wisdom of its children and cordial engagement. I have called up on the conflicting parties to resolve their differences through dialogue.”
Prime Minister has been calling for the end of violence in the Sudan and urging the conflicting parties to resolve their differences through peaceful negotiations following the outbreak of military hostilities on the 15th of May 2023.
It is to be recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed played a huge role in the signing of agreements between the Forces for Freedom and Change (FCC) & the Transitional Military Council in 2019.
Prime Minister Abiy Inaugurated Halala Kela Resort
Prime Minister of FDRE Abiy Ahmed Inaugurated Halala Kella Resort on the 1st of May 2023 in the presence of Regional Presidents and higher Federal government officials. Halala Kella Resort is one of the ‘Dine for Ethiopia’ tourism destination initiatives initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The Halala Kela Resort, adorned with natural beauty and man-made state of the art touristic service providing centers is now open for international and local tourists. The destination proved a potential avenue towards stimulating the country’s tourism sector. Tourism experts lauded Halala Kela for its significant touristic values and a new option for the urban residents to enjoy fresh air with diversified biodiversity. They also expressed their happiness to see the rapid completion of the resort and eagerness to visit the area very soon.
The Ministry of Tourism indicated that the place is one of the exciting resort destinations in the south western corner of Ethiopia. “A Dine for Ethiopia tourism destination project that was initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed lights up the Halala Kela and its surroundings. The Resort inauguration will bring a new insight to the country’s tourism sector. This place is tucked away in the middle of the Chebera Churchura National Park, with King Halala’s Stone Wall and Koysha Lake as the main attractions,” it indicated.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Resort, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said that the Halala Kela Resort, which is part of Dine for Ethiopia (Gebeta Le Hager) Koysha Project showcases the government’s priority to develop and harness the tourism sector.
The Premier stated that the resort, which is located on the shore of the man- made lake created by the Gibe Three Power Plant, is an ideal destination for tourists. Apart from being a recreational area, the Halala Kela Resort also includes historical and cultural museums and research centers.
The Dawuro Zone of the South West Ethiopia Peoples State has eye-catching landscapes, historical and cultural attractions. The Premier also made the call to Ethiopians to come to the Dawuro Zone which is the ever green area throughout the year; and to visit the Halalal Kela Resort, to generate new ideas and find inner peace.
“Ethiopia is a nation of many cultures and languages, and it is necessary accepting this diversity as one’s own.” It is necessary to understand that Ethiopia is a united country not only because of its culture and language, but also because it is a very attractive country with its national colors. One area has its own natural features that are different from the other, so it should be properly developed and used.
Accordingly, the construction of the resort, completed in less than two years, has exhibited both indigenous and modern architecture designs. The Resort contains presidential and modern bedrooms, where the Gibe III Hydropower’s manmade lake, lying in front of it, will be of captivating sight. The realization of the resort is expected to play a significant role in creating jobs to the community in the area.
According to the Prime Minister, Ethiopia is home to diverse nations, nationalities and peoples and embraces multinational cultural and language assets. In addition, the country is also endowed with diversified natural attractions. Thus, it is important to develop all corners of the country since they have their own breathtaking natural attractions and unique features to attract numerous international and local tourists.
DPM & FM Demeke Mekonnen Conferred with Türkiye Deputy FM, United Nations’ Deputy Secretary- General, and UNHCR Chief
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen received at his office today the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, Ambassador Burak Akçapar, on the 2nd of May 2023 as the two sides discussed the Ethio- Türkiye bilateral relations and regional issues.
During the discussions, Ambassador Burak expressed his heartfelt thanks for the support and solidarity shown by the Government of Ethiopia following the recent earthquake in Türkiye. Ambassador Akçapar also expressed his gratitude for the pivotal role Ethiopia has played in the repatriation of Turkish citizens from Sudan carried out through then country.
On his part, DPM and Foreign Minister Demeke expressed Ethiopia’s Commitment to further cement the historic all-rounded Ethio-Turkiye relationship. The two sides also discussed on ways of strengthening regional cooperation, MFA added.
On the Other hand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke conferred with United Nations’ Deputy Secretary-General (UNDSG), Amina J Mohammed on May 2, 2023 as the latter expressed United Nations “is committed to support the full implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement. The UNDSG also stated the Continental Body’s readiness to support the reconstruction and rehabilitation projects to sustain and consolidate the peace.
On the same token, the DPM and Foreign Minister held discussions with the Commissioner of UNHCR Volker Turk regarding issues pertaining to transitional justice.
Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye Conffered with Djiboutian Authorities, discussed recent developments
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Djibouti H.E. Berhanu Tsegaye held meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Minister of Interior of Djibouti H.E. Seid Nouh Hassan on 03 and 04 May 2023 respectively.
The discussions were held on latest developments related to Ethiopians living in Djibouti and recent announcements by the Interior Ministry of Djibouti concerning the issue of migrants living in the Republic of Djibouti.
During his meeting with the Minister of Interior of Djibouti, Ambassador Berhanu discussed citizen diplomacy and underscored on the need to protecting the human rights and dignity of Ethiopians living in Djibouti. On his behalf, the Minister affirmed that the government of Djibouti is committed to protecting the rights of Ethiopians living in its territory and is ready to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in that regard.
On the same token, Ambassador Berhanu also exchanged views on the same topic and other issues with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti and agreed to further enhancing collaborations on issues of common concern.
The Ambassador also discussed with Tanya Pacifico, Head of IOM in Djibouti as the latter has been assisting the voluntary return of Ethiopian Migrants wishing to return home. The two sides have agreed to continue their collaboration to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Ethiopian migrants.
EMBASSY WARNS AGAINST FRAUDULENT WEBSITES OFFERING ONLINE VISA SERVICES
The Ethiopian Government has launched an online visa application system to simplify and expedite the process of obtaining a visa for Ethiopia. However, the Embassy has recently become aware of some fraudulent websites that mimic the official e-Visa website and mislead applicants into believing that they are applying through the official channels.
The Ethiopian Government has not entered into any agreement with the owners of these websites, and therefore visa applications submitted or payments made through these websites will not be accepted.
The official website for the Ethiopian Online Visa service is https:/ www.evisa.gov.et/ and no other website should be used for visa applications. Applicants are urged to submit their visa applications through the official e-Visa website only.
Please note that the following websites are not affiliated with the Ethiopian Government and should not be used for visa applications:
- ethiopiaevisa.com,
- ethiopiaonlinevisa.com
- evisaforethiopia.com, or any others.
To avoid any complications or delays in obtaining your visa for Ethiopia, the Embassy urges all applicants to submit their visa applications through the official e-Visa website only.
