Saturday 5, February 2022 Addis Abba, Ethiopia: The President of the Republic, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan arrived in Addis Abba, Ethiopia yesterday afternoon where he is attending the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union (AU), which started this morning (Saturday 5th February 2022).

The President was welcomed by the Ethiopian Minister of Transport, H.E. Dagmawit Moges, the Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Umer Husen, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Birtukan Ayano and other high-level government officials at Bole International Airport. Also present was the Seychelles Ambassador based in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Conrad Mederic and the Principal Counsellor, Mrs Johnette Stephen.

President Ramkalawan paid a visit to the new premises of the Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles in Ethiopia, where he had the opportunity to tour the offices and interact with the staff. The President also attended a special briefing chaired by the Head of Mission, Ambassador Mederic where he was briefed on the general operation of the Embassy, challenges being encountered as well as their main priority dossiers and agenda.

Later the same afternoon, the President and his delegation proceeded to the Residence of the Ambassador where he met with a group of Seychellois nationals currently living and working in Ethiopia. The meeting was an opportunity for the President to share with them the vision of the new administration and latest information pertaining to the new Diaspora Section created under the Department of Foreign Affairs, dedicated to Seychellois communities overseas.

“I am extremely impressed and happy to see so many of our Seychellois professionals working here in Ethiopia and making our country proud in various professional spheres. I strongly believe everyone, be they in Seychelles or abroad, have a contribution to make. Seychelles will always be your home and I welcome you all as our brothers and sisters to come back and share your knowledge and expertise for the growth and development of our nation” said President Ramkalawan.

On behalf of the Seychellois community in Ethiopia, Mr Robert Auguste expressed their appreciation to the President for making the time to meet with them and how honoured they felt to be included in his programme.

The President will later today address the AU Summit, where he will deliver his inaugural statement to the assembly for the first time in person since being elected in 2020. He will also participate in the various closed sessions for Heads of State and Governments.

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