The Russian Embassy to Addis Ababa joined Ethiopian residents in tree planting activities as part of the second phase of the Green Legacy Initiative on Monday.
According to the diplomatic body, the embassy staff planted seedlings at the Gulele Botanic Garden in Addis Ababa with Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen.
The embassy emphasized that Russia is in favor of the Ethiopian initiative.
"The Russian Federation fully supports Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative and remains committed to contributing its share to the realization of this exemplary program," the statement said.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also participated in the ambitious government-led program, planting apple tree saplings in the capital with his wife.
According to Ahmed, the campaign focuses on mitigating climate change, addressing the shortage of fruits in urban areas, increasing productivity and creating more jobs in the sector.
The Green Legacy Initiative is a flagship program initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in June 2019 with a target of planting 20 billion seedlings over a period of four years.