An event dedicated to the 34th anniversary of Armenia’s independence was held at the new premises of the Embassy of Armenia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The event featured an open-air concert. The official reception was attended by high-ranking Ethiopian officials, representatives of international organizations, ambassadors accredited in Addis Ababa, other members of the diplomatic corps, municipal employees, local and foreign artists, members of the Ethiopian-Armenian community, and numerous other guests, the Armenian Embassy said in a press release.
Souvenirs were presented to representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, the Mayor’s Office of Addis Ababa, and members of the Armenian community.
A musical band led by the famous Ethiopian-Armenian singer Vahe Tilbian performed a concert featuring Armenian, Ethiopian, and other songs. Simultaneously, an exhibition of works by talented Ethiopian-Armenian artist and painter Kohar Kevorkian was organized in the Embassy’s main building.
In his welcoming remarks marking the 34th anniversary of the restoration of Armenia’s independence, Sahak Sargsyan, Ambassador of Armenia to Ethiopia, stressed that “despite challenges, including aggression and economic blockade since the restoration of independence in 1991, the consistent ability to survive and rebuild after numerous hardships, proven over many centuries, testifies to our people’s determination to move forward.”
He added that, committed to establishing peace in the region, Armenia is determined to build a better future and forge a new history by uniting the Diaspora. Speaking about the growing Armenia-Ethiopia relations and strong historical bonds, Ambassador Sargsyan noted that several high-level Armenian delegations have visited Addis Ababa in recent months. According to the Ambassador, high-ranking Ethiopian officials are expected to visit Armenia soon, including to participate in the COP17 Conference to be held in Yerevan next year. He also praised Armenia’s growing ties and partnership with the African Union.
Warmly congratulating on the occasions of Armenia’s 34th independence anniversary and the housewarming of the new Embassy premises, Ambassador Mulie Tarekegn, Deputy Director General for European and American Affairs of the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, emphasized the long-standing Ethiopian-Armenian friendship, strong historical bonds, and the important role of Armenians in Ethiopia’s development and modernization. Armen Press
