ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia successfully hosted the First Preparatory Session of the 4th Conference on Financing for Development last week in Addis Ababa, significantly enhancing its stature in the international community as a capable host for major global events, according to Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, who spoke at a biweekly press briefing today, the conference drew over 1,000 participants from 140 countries, including 40 ministers, and featured about 12 sideline meetings. These meetings provided a platform for Ethiopian officials, international leaders, and multilateral organizations to address various developmental issues pertinent to developing countries. The event not only revitalized the conference tourism sector in Ethiopia but also effectively showcased the nation’s organizational capabilities post-COVID-19, rebuffing doubts about its capacity to manage such large-scale international meetings.

The session also coincided with the swearing-in of 24 new ambassadors, all of whom have previously served within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This move, highlighted as a new trend by Ambassador Nebiyu, is expected to further enhance Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts and national interests abroad. The conference itself was lauded as a significant achievement, contributing robustly to Ethiopia’s diplomatic engagements, economic interests, and overall international image.

Moreover, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has been active in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly with China, Italy, and Greece, and in exploring investment opportunities with members of the Ethiopia-China Friendship and Cooperation Committee. Ongoing efforts to assist Ethiopian migrants stranded in various countries were also discussed during the briefing.