On behalf of the Ethiopian Embassy in London, I would like to extend my best wishes to the Ethiopian community and friends of Ethiopia in the United Kingdom for a joyous holiday season and a happy new year.

The run-up to the new year provide us with the opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate the past year surrounded by our nearest and dearest. It is a season of togetherness, love and hope – a time of thanksgiving and contemplation.

For Ethiopia, 2018 has represented a year of transformational change – cementing the country’s position as a beacon of hope and catalyst for peace in the Horn of Africa. Reforms championed by the administration of H.E Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have registered a number of achievements including: the end of the conflict with neighbouring Eritrea and reestablishment of diplomatic relations; the brokering of peace between neighbouring Eritrea and Djibouti; the peaceful return of exiled political groups from abroad and their reengagement in the democratic process; the provision of amnesty to all political prisoners and journalists held in prison; gender-parity in the cabinet and the restructuring of the Executive and the successful mediation of the split within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church among others.

With all of the change that has taken place in my country over the last year, the UK has stood side-by-side with the Government as a stalwart bilateral partner enduring in its commitment to Ethiopia. It is my sincere conviction that 2019 will be a year in which UK-Ethiopia relations continue to blossom. The Embassy looks forward to working closely with all of our UK partners to further consolidate our partnership in pursuit of global peace and mutual prosperity for our great nations.

Once again, on behalf of all diplomats and staff at the Embassy, I would like to wish you joy, health, love and peace, this holiday season and beyond.