Mexican Impressed by "Warmth of Ethiopian People" and Unique History

Addis Ababa, June 12, 2025 (ENA) — A Mexican citizen who was in Addis Ababa with UK-MED and the UK Emergency Medical Team (UK-EMT)  to provide training for the Ethiopian Emergency Medical Team, has shared positive first impressions of Ethiopia to ENA.

Despite being in the country for only few days, the Mexican Mauricio Esponda had the opportunity to sample Ethiopia's food and enjoy leisurely strolls around the city.

"I can't say I know Ethiopia or Addis Ababa very well yet, but I’m starting to really like it."

 

A key aspect that resonated deeply with Esponda is the warmth of the Ethiopian people.

"I truly appreciate the hospitality of the Ethiopian people. They are very approachable and friendly. As a Latin American, I can relate to that significantly," he said, drawing parallels between the welcoming nature of both cultures.

The Mexican characterized Addis Ababa as a "very large city" experiencing "very rapid development."

He noted a robust collective aspiration among its inhabitants, expressing that "It's a city that wants to grow, that wishes to grow, and the people themselves wish to grow. That is my first impression of Addis Ababa and Ethiopia."

 

Moreover, he expressed profound admiration for Ethiopia's unique status as one of the only countries in the world that has never been conquered, highlighting its origins that span over 3,000 years.

 "It (Ethiopia) was able to establish itself and its position as an independent country in Africa, the only independent country on the continent, despite all the surrounding territories being conquered or subjected to influence by other powers."

According to Esponda, "Ethiopia is an influential country, rather than a country that is influenced; and that is what I find most intriguing about it."

He views this influence as a positive force that enables Ethiopia to actively search for opportunities to develop and spread its roots further into the international arena.