President Taye Receives Credentials of Eleven Ambassadors

Addis Ababa, June 23, 2026 (ENA)__ President Taye Atske Selassie received today letters of credence of eleven newly appointed ambassadors accredited to Ethiopia.

The ambassadors represent Saudi Arabia, Congo, Portugal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Malawi, Ghana, Uruguay, Slovakia, Madagascar, and Uzbekistan.

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Nebiat Getachew, who was present during the occasion said the President welcomed the ambassadors and underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to deepening both bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

 

The President also discussed with the ambassadors about how Ethiopia can further strengthen diplomatic relations with their countries in areas spanning economic, political, and social dimensions.

Moreover, President Taye Atske Selassie stressed the importance of expanding cooperation across key areas, including economic collaboration, political engagement, and stronger people-to-people ties. 

For their part, the ambassadors reaffirmed their determination to elevate comprehensive cooperation and people-to-people relations during their tenure in Ethiopia.

Among the ambassadors, Portugal’s Ambassador Jorge Pereira Do Nascimento said Ethiopia made a strong impression, describing the country as ancient, culturally rich, and prominent in diplomatic affairs—particularly through its role as host of the African Union headquarters and its historic connection to the United Nations.

 

He noted the long ties between Portugal and Ethiopia, citing centuries of engagement and expressing hopes to strengthen cooperation in areas including energy, water resource management, culture, tourism, and multilateral coordination.

Nigeria’s Ambassador Nasir Amino described Ethiopia as a rapidly growing economy and emphasized the importance of Ethiopia and Nigeria cooperation.

Increasing connectivity and deepening cooperation, particularly through greater investment, support for industrial development, and coordination within international and African Union platforms will be his priorities during his tenure.

 

Ghana’s Ambassador McArios Akanbong emphasized Ethiopia’s historical, geopolitical and diplomatic significance, while reaffirming longstanding relations between Ghana and Ethiopia to early independence-era cooperation.

Ambassador Akanbong said that he will work to operationalize existing agreements covering areas such as tourism, education, and trade.

He underscored the need for closer engagement between the private sectors of both countries, noting growing air connectivity between Addis Ababa and Accra.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador Nirmala Indum expressed her plans to work closely with Ethiopia and regional institutions.

 

She cited intentions to expand cooperation through people-to-people links, education, youth collaboration, agriculture, and water and irrigation-related initiatives, among others.