On 13^th November, at the Ethiopian Embassy, London, parliamentarians, diplomats, investors, business people, the Diaspora and friends of Ethiopia, gathered for the annual parliamentary dinner, co-hosted by the Embassy and Laurence Robertson MP, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ethiopia and Djibouti.

Welcoming guests, Ambassador Hailemichael highlighted the recent political and economic reforms in Ethiopia, including the recent elevation of women to top government posts: 50% female cabinet, a female president and a female Supreme Court President!

Laurence Robertson MP acknowledged the reforms that have taken place in Ethiopia under new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, including the historic rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the part liberalisation of the economy.

As Chairman of the APPG on Ethiopia and Djibouti, Mr Robertson affirmed his commitment to further strengthen Ethio-UK relations in the UK Parliament and to promote investment.

Jeremy Lefroy MP, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Ethiopia, applauded the government on the historic appointment of Women in leadership, including the first female President H.E Sahle-Work Zewde.

The new Ethiopian Airlines Manchester route scheduled to commence on 11^th December will play a crucial role in encouraging more investment and promoting tourism, as it will open up northern UK to Ethiopia, and strengthen UK- Africa links with the airline’s extensive network, he said.

Mr Lefroy also shone a light on Ethiopia’s flagship Hawassa Industrial Park, noting that he has never seen such a park, even in the UK.

Guests were treated to a full spread of Ethiopian food and were shown a video of political reforms and economic policies that the new government has put in place, and its plans going forward. The video can be found at: http://bit.ly/NewHorizonHope