During the colonial period, Ethiopia was the sole representative of the black people and participated in the League of Nations, thus contributing greatly to the lives of Africans and other black people throughout the ages, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen said.
The minister's remarks came at the opening of the country's Diplomacy Week, which Mekonnen said is being organized to review the achievements of Ethiopia's diplomatic journey over the past years as well as to identify opportunities and challenges in the field of diplomacy.
The top diplomat added that the events are designed to explore the diplomacy of the future to protect national interests and will build a strong diplomatic capacity.
Noting that Ethiopia's diplomatic history has faced many challenges in every era, the minister noted that the country has overcome them through the struggle of the leaders and the people.
In this regard, Mekonnen mentioned the "serious and multifaceted" pressure on Addis Ababa when the country was placed on the agenda of the UN Security Council 13 times and various sanctions and aid pressures were imposed on it.
Layout in the shape of the African continent at the opening of the Ethiopian Diplomacy Week
© Photo Twitter / @mfaethiopia
The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that six research papers, panel discussions and two book launch programs will be held during the Diplomacy Week from January 11 to February 2.