H.E. Ambassador Hailemichael Aberra Afework led a delegation on an official visit to Wales on 24^th January, accompanied by Mr Ababi Demissie, Head of Public Diplomacy and officers from the Diaspora department.

This was Ambassador Hailemichael’s first visit to Wales, aimed at promoting Ethiopia’s image and investment potential, as well as establishing partnerships with a range of institutions.

The delegation met with the First Minister of Wales the Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones AM, representatives from the University of South Wales and Cardiff University and with members of the Ethiopian Diaspora.

Following a visit to the Welsh Assembly, where the delegation attended the First Minister’s Question and Answer session, the First Minister said Ethiopia is an independent country with a rich history and a fast growing and vibrant economy. He appreciated Ethiopian Airlines’ world-class services and competitiveness. The First Minister said he will encourage Welsh businesses to invest in Ethiopia and universities and democratic institutions to establish linkages with their Ethiopian counterparts, adding that there is a big opportunity for UK investors and Wales is striving for global partnerships.

Ambassador Hailemichael spoke of the century-old historic and multifaceted relations long enjoyed by Ethiopia and the UK. The Ethiopian Embassy in London was Africa’s first UK Diplomatic Mission and the UK was one of the first countries to open an Embassy in Addis Ababa. This partnership has led to effective development cooperation.

Ethiopia and the UK share common international obligations such as fighting terrorism and extremism, maintaining regional and international peace and security, reducing the impact of climate change and building resilient green economies, democracy and protection of human rights, tackling human trafficking and managing migration, and transforming our world through implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Ambassador thanked the Welsh government and the people of Wales for their support for Ethiopia and for Emperor Haileselassie who, following the Italian occupation of Ethiopia, lived for a short period in nearby Bath.

Ambassador Hailemichael later outlined areas of potential partnership with representatives from the University of South Wales and Cardiff University.  Cardiff University offered educational placements for Ethiopian students and both universities agreed to establish links in the near future.

In a presentation to council dignitaries, investors and members of the Diaspora, the Ambassador detailed Ethiopia’s current situation and the government’s encouragement of private investment and promotion of the inflow of foreign capital and technology into Ethiopia. Incentives are granted to both domestic and foreign investors, the Ambassador said, adding that opportunities exist for investment in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, construction and tourism. Members of the Diaspora as well as potential investors at the presentation expressed their keen interest in investing in Ethiopia.

Newport Cllr Omar Ali, who is of Ethiopian origin, played an important role in organising the visit and bridging the two nations. His engagement in Ethiopia’s image-building is exemplary. The visit was an eye opener and was deemed very successful on both sides.